Shropshire businessman takes the plunge in first UK Ice Mile
A Telford businessman is to attempt a mile-long swim in literally freezing water in the first event of its kind to be held in the UK.
Father-of-four Wayne Carter has been selected as one of a team of eight elite cold water swimmers taking part in the extreme sporting challenge, the Ice Mile, next month.
It is the first time the event has been held in the UK, with swimmers only allowed to wear a standard swim suit, hat and goggles.
Mr Carter, operations director at Madeley-based Fabweld Steel Products, was also racing in the British Cold Water Swimming Championships at Tooting Bec in the run up to the Ice Mile in Kent on February 10.
The 39-year-old said: “I know a lot of people think I'm completely mad but I wanted to set myself a personal challenge, push my own boundaries and set a good example for my children.
“I've been open water swimming seriously for the past three years and it is has been my childhood dream to one day swim the English Channel. I've been in training throughout the winter and was delighted to be accepted to attempt the Ice Mile.
“I've already completed unofficial training swims of 25 minutes in water which is below 5°C and am in the water most days, swimming in icy water for more than 20 minutes each time.
“It certainly wakes you up and the water can be head-numbingly cold but it is invigorating. It is all part of my longer term goal to swim the Channel, for which tolerance to cold water, mental strength, determination are essential requirements, and, of course, you have to be a strong swimmer.”
Previous Ice Mile events have been held in South Africa, Canada and the USA but this is the first time the challenge, to be held in Maidstone at Lake Holborough, has been held in the UK.
Conducted under strict safety regulations set by the International Ice Swimming Association, the rules state the water temperature must be 5°C degrees or less and the swimmer can only to wear only a swim suit, goggles and standard swim cap. Medical and rescue personnel must be present and the swim must be filmed by an observer.
Mr Carter added: “I will be accompanied by a full safety boat and medical cover during the swim and required to undergo a medical examination including an ECG before attempting the challenge.”
Later this year, Mr Carter will be competing in the British Long Distance Swimming Associations two-way Lake Bala swim of six miles. Completion of this will qualify him to swim Lake Windermere which will act as qualification for a Channel swim.
He is being supported by colleagues at manhole manufacturer Fabweld Steel Products, including product developer James Benting who recently completed a challenge to cover 60 miles of Shropshire countryside in a 30 hour trek.
