Interview by Max Campbell

Clare Lewis is an open water swimmer and environmentalist. She’s part of a rare group of Scillonians, who have grown up in the Isles of Scilly surrounded by water. As well as living in the Scillies, she’s contributed to important environmental work to increase the sustainability and resilience of the islands. She now lives in Falmouth, where she runs SureSwim Kernow. The open water swimming group aims to help individuals build confidence and skills in the water, and encourages them to fulfil their personal adventures. 

I joined in on one of Clare’s sessions, and was struck by her passion and enthusiasm for the activity. Although I had been going in the sea for years, it was my first experience of open water swimming, with a hat, wetsuit and goggles. As I’m an ex-RNLI lifeguard, Clare threw me into the advanced group. I felt a little out of place in my surfing wetsuit, in a group of slender swimmers in sea-swimming suits. 

It was high-tide at Maenporth, and the sea was flat. We swam out of the long shallow bay, I quickly fell behind, although I just about managed to keep up with the group, after having a few pointers on my technique from our instructor Sarah. I was struck by how entertaining the experience was compared to repeating laps in the pool. Replacing the sterile environment with nature, and looking down at fish and seaweed instead of dull tiling made the experience much more enjoyable. 

We swam out of the cove, and towards Nansidwell, weaving through rocks and exploring caves along the way. Being part of a group added to the experience, we made stops along the route to discuss technique and the surroundings. At the end of the session, we swam as a pod through the bay and back to the beach. I had to push myself to keep up, but I managed to make it into the shallows with the rest of the swimmers. We had covered 2.2 Kilometers in about an hour. On exiting the water, I was met with an overpowering rush of endorphins. I really felt alive, and as I walked up the beach, I thought to myself that all this time I hadn’t actually been swimming at all.   

What was it like growing up in Scilly?

Being in Scilly, you're surrounded by water. I grew up in a house that backed onto the ocean, and every night I fell asleep to the sound of waves. When I moved away to go to sixth form, it took me a while to get to sleep, as I was used to that constant sound. I feel claustrophobic without immediate access to the sea. 

There was just one tiny uncovered pool at the other end of the island, so we learned to swim in the sea. I remember being pushed off the lifeboat slip in St Marys, after being told there were conger eels below. It was literally ‘sink or swim’. Living in Scilly is a trade off; it’s stunningly beautiful, yet you don’t have access to the same sporting facilities as you would in mainland Britain. You don’t get a leg up in that respect, however, you’re constantly able to spend time both in and on the water. 

How did you get into open water swimming?

I ran an event called the Inter Island Walk, on the equinox tide, between St Martins, Tresco, Sampson and Bryher. On the lowest of spring tides, it’s possible to walk along the sand bars between the islands. The RNLI would cover the event with lifeguards from the mainland, and after speaking with them, they convinced me to take my lifeguard qualification. Initially, I thought I was too old, or not a good enough swimmer. Nevertheless, I set up a NARS qualification on Scilly for me and some other locals. 

All but one of us failed the swim test. I’m very determined, so I trained, and trained, eventually becoming a lifeguard. I then caught the bug, and fast-tracked each qualification in succession until I reached Level 2 Swim Coach. Swimming then suddenly became a massive part of my life. I left my full time job in the environment sector, and went on to work as a guide with open water swimming tours in the Scillies and Hebrides for Swim Trek.  

How’s Scilly for an open water swimming location?

Scilly is is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and is absolutely gorgeous. It’s also a mecca for open water swimming, but you have to know what you’re doing. They’re directly exposed to the Atlantic, and a lot of tide moves between the islands. When I lived there as an adult I swam most days, guided each year for Swim Trek and ran several open water swimming events.

And I assume that being islands, they’re vulnerable to the effects of Climate Change?

Absolutely. In Scilly, everyone's eggs are in the same basket with tourism. From a physical standpoint, Scilly is vulnerable to the effects of climate change. The islands are low lying – completely dependent on the outside world, and the supply chain is delicate. When I lived in Scilly, I worked as part of the AONB team based on the islands. It was our role to carry out both community and environmental projects, working with the environment towards improvement.

I was also part of a community led group called Transition Scilly, who worked to promote the islands’ resilience by raising awareness of the climate crisis, and providing information on how the islands can become more robust. There’s an opportunity for marine renewable energy development in Scilly, and I think a solution is needed which benefits both the local population and renewable energy developers.

How did SureSwim Kernow come about?

Ultimately, I was put off pool swimming by the intense training, early starts, and the sterile environment. The pool is integral for developing skills in a controlled environment, yet there's nothing like being outdoors. I'm an environmentalist through and through. Open water swimming is a much more holistic experience, which ties together my passion for the environment with a sport I love.

How many people come to the sessions?

There are up to five in a group with a single instructor – we run beginner groups, as well and intermediate and advanced. We also run guided swims, and can tailor sessions for one to ones by arrangement.

What can swimmers gain from the classes? 

I want people to gain confidence and skill in the lessons, and ultimately find their own swim buddy and have their own adventures. I want them to step out of their comfort zone, in a safe way. Adventure is something you have to create yourself, but I hope to inspire people to push themselves, and help provide them with the skills they need to do so. 

Anything that re-engages humans with the natural environment is good, as we've become so separated. Lots of people look at nature as a threat, or something that needs to be controlled. I feel that open water swimming can be a vessel to form meaningful connections, to yourself, to others, and to nature as well.

Do you think open water swimming has changed your perspective on life? 

Money has never been a motivating factor for me. In the traditional sense, I don't have a lot of ambition, as in ambition to accumulate stuff, because I know it doesn't lead anywhere. As long as I have nature on tap, good food, and good friends, I'm happy. Why wait for retirement for that? If I can help instill that into others in some minor way that's good, as it’s really an extension of how I want to live my life. I’m generally content, and I've been like that for years since I've been into swimming.

Do you have advice for anyone who wants to gain confidence in the water?

Never swim on your own. Always find out about an area you’re going to swim in before getting in the water. I have an incredible respect for the sea. I remember when I used to run the Inter Island Walk event, a lifeguard told me, ‘I'm not frightened of the sea anymore, but I'll always have respect for it’.

Work within your limitations, but don’t let fear stop you. I’m a big believer that you shouldn’t guide your life based on decisions dictated by fear. Short, frequent swims, in a variety of conditions at different times of year are the key to building knowledge, confidence and skill in the marine environment. I think it’s important to take it slow, to get used to the environment and not expect instant gains over a short period of time. Go easy on yourself, open water swimming is a skill that that develops over lots of time in the water.

Skins (without a wetsuit) swimming is the ultimate in the holistic sensation of open water swimming, but doesn’t allow for long sessions in the UK. A swim wetsuit can revolutionise your swimming experience, allowing for more flexibility and warmth, leading to much longer swims.

And ultimately, if you’re not getting in the sea, you’re missing out!

If you’d like to find out more about SureSwim Kernow, or book a session with Clare, you can contact her through the SureSwim Kernow website.