Andy Donaldson, a British-Australian marathon swimmer, is embarking on a record-breaking attempt to swim 55 kilometres along the Ord River in Western Australia, an area inhabited by numerous crocodiles. This undertaking, known as the ‘dam to dam challenge’, involves swimming from Lake Argyle to Kununurra, and if successful, he would become the first man to achieve this feat, following Simone Blaser, who completed the swim in 2024 in a time of 16 hours and 13 minutes.
Donaldson, who already holds two world records in long-distance open water swimming, commenced his swim at 5:30 AM local time today and is actively sharing updates on his social media platforms. His endeavour involves a support crew, including a nearby boat and a kayaker, to ensure safety as he navigates the crocodile-infested waters.
While most of the crocodiles in the river are freshwater varieties, which tend to be shy and not typically dangerous to humans, there has been a notable rise in the numbers of saltwater crocodiles in recent years. A 2019 survey indicated around 2,000 saltwater crocodiles in the river, and experts believe this number has continued to increase.
In preparation for the swim, Donaldson has emphasised that his challenge is not merely about the distance; it also involves meticulous preparation and the ability to adapt to the river’s unpredictability. Despite the potential risks, he has chosen to forgo a protective cage while swimming, stating that the support system in place is designed to mitigate danger. “We don’t want to be reckless,” he asserted.
This swim marks the longest distance Donaldson has ever tackled, surpassing previous record attempts such as his swims between New Zealand’s North and South Islands and around New York’s Manhattan Island. As he embarks on this remarkable journey, the swimming community and supporters alike are closely following his progress, marking yet another exciting chapter in his swimming career.