This years Mersey Swim will take place on Sunday 6th September 2009.
PICTURES HERE

Brief History
The earliest recorded Mersey Swim took place during the Liverpool Olympics of June 1863. From 1876-
1939 one of the highlights of Liverpool’s sporting calendar was the Annual Mersey Mile from New Brighton
Pier to the North Liverpool Dock wall. The decision to again stage the event in 1876 was inspired by
Captain Webb who the previous year was the first man to swim the English Channel.
The new post war Mersey Swim started again in 1994 on the back of a successful English Channel Relay
swim by the City of Liverpool Swimming Club which helped raise £35,000 for the Royal Liverpool University
Hospital Forget Me Not Cancer fund which today is known as The Linda McCartney Centre.
Following this successful English Channel Relay Swim in memory of Barbara Marshall, Robin’s sister in
law who died suddenly of bowel cancer. Robin, Bob and Jim organised the First Post War Cross Mersey
swim which is now in it’s fifteenth year and is now swam in memory of Ken O’Toole. Ken was a member
of the English Channel Relay Team in 1994 and had swum the Mersey
on many occasions prior to his death.

Friends of Albany account of this years swim 2008.
The sun shone, there was only a light breeze and it was warm. (unless you were swimming).  What a day to paddle 'THE RIVER, get the swimmers across and help raise money for charity.
With perfect weather everyone seemed to be down early and there was a happy atmosphere as swimmers, supporters and friends, not  forgetting us, got ready. After registration all the swimmers were marked up with their numbers.  Something Helen watched with interest.
For the first time there was a mobile disco lorry decked out in Liverpool 08 banners.  This added to the big event 'feel', playing favourites such as 'Ferry across the Mersey' and  'Heart as Big as the City' . It was also great to see Echo reporter Nick Peet down to watch the start after his big swim the previous week.  Not surprisingly he declined an invitation to do it again!
This was the 15 Annual race organised by Liverpool LDSC and Tri4Life to raise funds for the Liverpool Heartbeat Charity, held in memory of one of their members Kenny O'Toole.
River traffic was light for our paddle over to the Albert Dock but just at start time 11 am (high water) a couple of ships came up river and delayed us by 15 minutes.  This loss of valuable 'slack water' meant that some of the slower swimmers were still in the water as the tide began running out and unfortunately about five had to be stopped and taken out for safety reasons.  37 swimmers took part with 18 managing to touch the timing mark at Monk's Ferry slipway.  Approx 12 more managed to touch the wall somewhere between the slipway and Woodside
Afterwards all paddlers were presented with an impressive medal and treated to refreshments at the Swinging Arm PH nearby. The swimmers really do appreciate our help. It's a fact that the event wouldn't happen without our help
Thanks again to HELEN SIERTSEMA, HARRY CRITCHLEY, STEVE BOND, BRIAN GREEN, JOHN YOUNG, CHRISTIAN DREW, LEN HARTLEY, GEOFF MARTIN, IAN VAUGHAN, VINCE MILHENCH, AND MIKE ALTER.
In total there were 13 canoeists (one came with a swimmer) and even though conditions were good we had our hands full keeping tabs on the swimmers as they were spread out by the late start and tidal flow. We could have done with a few more on the water to feel comfortable and I hope more members will try to make it next year.  It's very satisfying and one gets some great views. 

Friends of Albany account of this years swim 2009.
Well what a day and what a turnout. Brilliant even
though the weather wasn't as good as last year.
River conditions were also harder especially for the
initial crossing to Liverpool resulting in some of our
number arriving at the start from what looked like Garston.
The Race was delayed a little by river traffic, but not
enough to reduce the swimmers chances, unlike last year, and the minutes flew by with three paddlers entertaining everyone with a deep water rescue demonstration. (Reason to remain secret)
42 swimmers including four ladies took part in the Race with 41 completing the crossing.
Only seconds separated the Winner and Runner-up with
both just failing to beat 20 minutes.
The record is just over 17 minutes.
The fastest lady completed the swim in a little over 25 minutes with the other three ladies also turning in good times.
The final swimmer home took a little over 49 minutes.
A tremendous effort by a first timer who probably swam
twice as far as the winner.
To have twenty two kayakers on the water was fantastic, by far the highest number ever, and I think everyone was made aware of how much the Swimmers and Organisers appreciated the support. Commemorative medals were also presented to each paddler.
All were invited to the Swinging Arm Inn afterwards where the hot soup went down a treat, as did the beer.
Overall a great day. I hope everyone enjoyed it. Here's to next year.
Known Paddlers ; Helen Siertsema, Richie Burgess, Steve Bond, Dominic Buckley, Colin Clarke, Vince Milhench, Harry Critchley, John Worswick, Len Hartley, Peter McComiskey, Carl Leung, Brian Green, John Young, Christian Drew, Frank Hopley, Dave Reynolds, Ian and Frank Vaughan.
Many Thanks