This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-gloucestershire-34582060
The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 1 | Version 2 |
---|---|
Marathon swimmer Kevin Brady tackles River Severn 'noose' | Marathon swimmer Kevin Brady tackles River Severn 'noose' |
(about 3 hours later) | |
A man bidding to swim the length of Britain's longest river has navigated a notoriously perilous stretch called "the noose". | |
Rescuers had urged Kevin Brady to avoid the section of the River Severn below Arlingham in Gloucestershire, saying it was "very very dangerous". | |
Whirlpools, moving sandbanks, sinking sand and a lack of public access contribute to the risks. | |
"It puts a knot deep inside my stomach," the 32-year-old said earlier. | "It puts a knot deep inside my stomach," the 32-year-old said earlier. |
The section is 4.2 miles (6.7km) long and Mr Brady took about two hours to swim it. | |
Geoff Dawe, from the Severn Area Rescue Association (SARA), said: "The noose is a horrible place, even in a boat. | |
"The big issue from my point of view is if he suffers from cold, and gets muscle cramps, then there's not much he can do." | |
Two small lifeboats, deployed nearby for a training exercise, remained on the water while he was swimming. | |
The fundraiser began his 220 mile (350 km) marathon swim in Plynlimon, Powys, on 23 September and is aiming to finish on Severn Beach later this week. | |
He said he is attempting to become the first man to swim the entire length of the River Severn. | He said he is attempting to become the first man to swim the entire length of the River Severn. |
"When [Geoff] sat me down and said 'You shouldn't be doing this, this is far too dangerous, I completely advise you against this' I nearly wanted to cry," added Mr Brady. | "When [Geoff] sat me down and said 'You shouldn't be doing this, this is far too dangerous, I completely advise you against this' I nearly wanted to cry," added Mr Brady. |