Perreault, Omer

Perreault first came to the UK to swim the Channel in August 1921, a 21 year-old electrician from Quebec, accompanied by his trainer Armand Vincent. After a few weeks they returned to Canada without making an attempt

Canadian swimmer Omer Perreault, from Montreal, failed in his attempt to swim the English Channel, 16th August 1922. (Swim time 2hr 58 mins).

Second attempt, 5 Aug 1923 (Swim time 12 hrs).  Third attempt, 2 Sept 1923.  (Swim time 10 hrs). After the swim he was washed down with petrol, which set on fire, giving burns from head to foot.  None of the burns were serious.  The boat was also badly burned.  Fire put out with blankets, Mackintoshes and wet sails.

He had 2 unsuccessfull swims in 1926; Aug 8th he started from C.G.N. Col Freyberg was starting at the same time, the French Trawler who was to accompany Omer thought that he was with Col Freyberg’s tug and thought that they would not be required, and sailed away. Then, finding out their mistake, they returned, but after two hours swim, Perrault lost sight of the Trawler and swam back to shore.

Aug 10 he swam for 4 hours.

Died December 31 1973