As we close the chapter on 2024, The Jersey Long Distance Swimming Club (JLDSC) proudly reflects on a remarkable 50th year, celebrating achievements and milestones that reflect the enduring commitment to the sport and community of swimming.
A Year of Milestones
The club celebrated its 50th anniversary with special events throughout the year that highlighted its rich history and accomplishments.
This included capturing some very special aerial shots of club members in the sea, in the shape of a 50! Club members styled it up in the water throughout 2024, with a brand-new costume design, by Justine Marett, which embodied all things JLDSC.
Jenny Fitzgerald completed her first year as president saying: “It was humbling to take the reins of the club on such a significant year.
“I have been delighted to support the club, alongside the committee and the many volunteers, in joining in with the anniversary year celebrations.
“From beach BBQs, to sea swims, observing Round Jersey and Jersey to France swims onboard as crew and enjoying the club’s end-of-year celebration hosted by the self-titled ‘dinner-ladies’ last month, it really has been a fun-filled year.
“I continue to believe that the JLDSC is the greatest little swimming club in the world.”
Competitive Spirit
Every year members of the club continue to amaze with their commitment and achievements in the world of open water swimming – and 2024 was no different. Our swimmers took to the water in numbers, with 54 swimmers participating in the Lions Swimarathon event, demonstrating the spirit of involvement in this great community event.
Swimmers that participated in the winter pool sessions at Aquasplash showcased their skills, winning an impressive 9 BLDSA medals in respective age groups during the one-hour swim challenge.
Then, over the summer, numerous trophies were awarded for various open water events, such as the McLaughlin memorial swim at Green Island, the Flambard Trophy at Havre des Pas and the popular Masters Trophy swim between Archirondel and Anne Port to name a just a few.
There were also awards given for commitment to the club as pilot and crew and to the kayaking support team that show up weekly to support the sea swims.
Further afield, a team of Jersey ladies joined an exclusive club of swimmers after crossing Lake Geneva in a gruelling two-day swim.
Sally Minty-Gravett MBE, Fay de Gruchy, Alice Harvey, Karen Le Cornu, Rachel Sayers and Julia Morris took 28hrs 56mins to become only the 25th team to complete the 72km swim. What a fantastic achievement.
Volunteer Support
Without the club’s committee members, who show up weekly to support swims at Aquasplash in the winter and in various locations around the Island during the summer, the club wouldn’t be what it is today.
The club welcomed two new volunteers in 2024 who will assist with club operations, mainly as crew for the club boat, appropriately named “Sea Swimmer” that supports with the round Jersey and Jersey to France swim challenges.
Sea Swim Highlights
Over 50 swimmers kick-started the season with a chilly dip at St Catherine’s in May and then 60 joined for the first Tuesday night sea swim of the summer with the uplifting sounds of Nicki Kennedy and her choir, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.
Notable sea swimming accomplishments included: seven Round Island solo swims completed, four Round Island relays finished, 13 Jersey to France solos, and three Jersey to France relay swims successfully undertaken.
Record-Breaking Swims:
This year recorded several firsts, including:
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The earliest Jersey to France swim on record.
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The first butterfly circumnavigation ever accomplished.
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The first amputee to complete a solo swim.
Night Swim
The summer season culminated with a dazzling night swim in perfect conditions, where 52 swimmers, adorned with colourful light sticks, enjoyed a final club swim in St Catherine’s Bay before transitioning to winter training indoors.
As we reflect on these accomplishments, we express our heartfelt gratitude to our members, volunteers, and supporters who have made this year unforgettable.
We look forward to building on this momentum and sharing even more achievements in 2025.
The JLDSC wishes everyone a joyful new year and safe swimming in 2025 and beyond.
