Sam Rockett with Ian Tirrell

Folkestone International Open Air Pool Folkestone, Kent. Sam Rockett with Channel swimming aspirant Ian Tirrell of South Africa.

Sam Rockett swam in the 1950 Daily Mail race and was the fourth man to finish.

He was Supervisor for the 1951 Daily Mail Race, an International race held in the “Festival of Britain year” and was also supervisor for the Billy Butlin races from 1953 to 1959, and the Sir Billy Butlin long distance walk from John O Groats to Lands End.

He played County Water Polo for a number of Counties. He was author of the book “its Cold in the Channel”

1956 Ian entered the Billy Butlin race but along with 22 other swimmers was unable to start. He later made a solo attempt and swam for 10hrs 49mins and was 5 miles from England.

1957 Billy Butlin swim, he was unsuccessful, he swam for 10 hours.

Ian has held British, South African and Egyptian records.

From the Sam rockett Collection.