Phil Rising

Phil Rising,  England, at Folkestone Pool 1952

Phil Rising,  jeweller of Rotherham, England, has swum channel in both directions.

Swam from England to France 1952, time 18hrs 38mins, in continous gale force conditions, refusing to abandon attempt even when urged to do so by his pilot. Water was so rough it was unsafe for accompanying launch to return to England that day.

He had previously swam the Channel in 1951, from France to England in a time of 15hrs 55mins.

He was one of the founder members of the British Long Distance Swimming Association which was formed after the 1956 Billy Butlin channel race at a meeting in Leeds. He was made President and Fred Oldman, one of the unlucky swimmers, became Chairman of the new Association.

From the Sam Rockett Collection. A Black and White photograph.