From the Jersey Shores of the USA, two of America’s greatest female long distance ocean swimmers will attempt for the first time to swim from Pattaya Beach to Koh Larn and back to Pattaya Beach in Dec 2015.
A staggering distance of 20 kilometers.
Nancy Steadman Martin and Michelle Davidson will attempt the swim to promote Water Safety Awareness in Thailand.
Did you know that at least 6 people die daily from drowning accidents in Thailand? Many of these tragic deaths could be avoided if basic knowledge of water safety and life saving techniques were taught in schools and other institutions.
Nancy and Michelle, as part of the Surf Lifesaving, Inc., from Oceanport, New Jersey’s charity program mission statement is to bring awareness and teach water safety and lifesaving techniques to local children and adults around the world.
How wonderful that they are doing this here in Thailand, and right here in Pattaya where it really is very helpful.
These two remarkable ladies are here on a preliminary fact finding mission to test the waters and map the swim for the event.
Practicing at Wongamat Beach, accompanied by lifeguard Chris Ponti from Surf Lifesaving, Inc., New Jersey, they have been swimming up and down the coast and around the island of Koh Larn for several days now.
Pattaya Mail caught up with these two accomplished ladies at the swimming pool of the Pullman G Hotel Wongamat, where they were teaching water safety to children.
PM: Hello Nancy and Michelle, it’s such a privilege to meet the both of you … Why did you choose Pattaya for your Water Safety Awareness program?
Nancy Martin: My cousin Bruce, who is an accomplished high diver, oceanographer, and student of sea life, spends several months of the year in Thailand studying the ocean currents, sea life, and reefs. He brought to my attention the real need for water safety awareness and lifesaving techniques here in Thailand. So, after many discussions and quite a bit of research, we decided on Pattaya, primarily because it has a large number of family tourists and many attractions which incorporate water sports. We also became aware of Pattaya’s very progressive campaign to create a family friendly image as a tourist destination and we applaud the mayor’s office efforts in this endeavor.
Nancy Martin (right) and Michelle Davidson (left) point out safety issues for the swim from Pattaya Beach to Koh Larn Island.
PM: So what do you think about the actual challenge? Just how difficult will it be to swim out to Koh Larn and back, which is a staggering 20 kilometers!
Nancy Martin: Well we’ve swum the English Channel twice and I hold the current world record for the 200 meter backstroke for my age group.
PM: Sorry, but I have to ask, just how old are you?
Nancy Martin: It’s really not polite to ask a lady her age, but I’m 60 years old!
PM: And when did you start swimming?
Nancy Martin: When I was 2 years old. Everybody in my family are big swimmers or divers. We have quite a few world record holders and several Olympians in my family, so I guess you could say it’s in the blood!
PM: And you compete with other swimmers your own age?
Nancy Martin: I compete with swimmers as young as 18!
PM: And you win?
Nancy Martin: Yes most of the time!
PM: Michelle what about you, I understand you hold quite a few world records as well?
Michelle Davidson: Well I swam the English Channel at night, won the women’s paddle tournament from Cuba to Florida, and the Triple Crown which includes swimming the English Channel, around Manhattan Island, and the Catalina Channel, and we both have done the Ederle Swim, setting the record for American females.
Nancy and Michelle, back from a triumphant 7 kilometer swim along the coast.
PM: OK you’re making my head swim now! So you do this as a hobby?
Nancy and Michelle: Yes, we have regular jobs, but we swim every single day!
PM: So back to my original question, what about Pattaya Beach to Koh Larn and back? How safe is that?
Michelle Davidson: That’s why we’re here now, to access the waters and the safety features of the swim.
Nancy Martin: Yes, and so far we’ve found it to be pretty safe, except for jet skis and motor boats, but we will work together with the Pattaya City authorities and the Thai coast guard and navy to ensure all the right safety measures and precautions are taken for the Swim Challenge.
PM: What about sharks?
Nancy Martin: You know, everywhere we go people ask us this question. The truth is the sharks leave us alone. We respect their environment, it is after all their home. We don’t bother them and they don’t bother us. It’s the same with most sea life. We do attract some small fish due to the colors of our bathing costumes and the little fish will peck at us.
Michelle and Nancy encounter a future female ocean long distance swim record breaker.
Michelle Davidson: Yes and we do get dolphins who like to swim next to us!
PM: Wow! That must be cool?
Nancy Martin: Yes it’s great!
PM: And you swim without fins or any apparatus?
Michelle Davidson: Yes that’s correct, there are very stiff rules regarding what we can wear. We must wear regulation bathing suits and allowed only a bathing cap. Everything else is natural!
PM: Well I’m amazed and will certainly show up to this fantastic event next year. It’s been such a pleasure meeting both of you. By the way, how do you like Pattaya so far?
Nancy Martin: The people we’ve met have been so friendly and accommodating, it has such a wonderful vibe!
Michelle Davidson: Yes, and the food is great and it’s incredible how polite everyone is too.
PM: Have you checked out the Pattaya nightlife yet?
Nancy Martin: Yes, we went to Walking Street, and went to see some shows and many markets.
Michelle Davidson: Yes, it was fun, not at all what I expected from some of the news articles I read back home! It’s a very interesting mix of people and cultures. I think it’s really a wonderful place. There is something for everybody here.
PM: Well good luck, or choke dee as we say in Thailand!
A young student practices lifesaving techniques.
Everybody can learn water safety no matter how young you are!
Chris Ponti and Michelle Davidson of Surf Lifesaving, Inc. demonstrate water rescue techniques.
Chris on kayak accompanies the ladies during their swim to keep them safe.
Surf Lifesaving, Inc. crew teaches water safety to children.
