Marilyn Bell's Channel Swim, landing ashore

Marilyn Bell landing at the Warren on July 31st 1955. Her swim time was 14hrs 36mins. Her coach is Gus Ryder, seen in the picture.

Pop (Jack / John) Burvill (Burwill) acted as a pilot on many Channel swimming escort and support boats,and was the pilot on this swim.

Marilyn Bell became the youngest person to swim the Channel. The swim was ratified by the Channel Swimming Association. She was also the first person to swim Lake Ontario. She was inducted into The Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame in 1967.

A Black and White photograph.  From the Rob Whitewood collection.