Jersey-based long-distance swimmer Phil Gaudin has made headlines after completing a marathon swim from Jersey to France, with a unique twist - he was accompanied by a pod of dolphins for part of the journey. Gaudin, who has been swimming long distances for over a decade, set off from Jersey early this month and swam over 21 miles to the French island of Guernsey. The swim, which was part of a charity fundraising effort, was Gaudin's second marathon swim across the Channel.
The dolphins, which were spotted by Gaudin's support team, swam alongside him for a short period, with Gaudin describing the experience as 'surreal and humbling'. 'It was a really special moment,' Gaudin said in an interview. 'To have those incredible creatures swimming alongside me was just amazing.'
Gaudin's swim was completed in under 12 hours, with the swimmer raising thousands of pounds for charity. The swimmer's experience with the dolphins has been welcomed as a rare and special encounter, with experts highlighting the importance of protecting these incredible creatures and their habitats.