Olympic legend Rebecca Adlington, one of the greatest swimmers in history, has revealed that even she came close to drowning. The mother-of-three spoke exclusively to the Mirror in support of our 'Save Lives for Sam' water safety campaign, sharing a harrowing experience in Australia that left her 'absolutely terrified' of the sea.
The Terrifying Incident at Bondi Beach
In 2010, two years after winning two gold medals at the Beijing 2008 Olympics, Adlington found herself in a life-threatening situation at Bondi Beach. 'I was 21 and got caught up in the waves,' she said. 'I felt like I was choking. I knew I could get out, but it absolutely terrified me.' Despite being at the height of her training, swimming 75,000 metres weekly, she struggled against the rip current. 'Every time a wave crashed, it took me under. I came up, and another wave hit. I really struggled.'
Adlington admitted she now avoids the sea altogether. 'Pretty much since then, I haven't gone back in. I don't go in the sea anymore because I found it so scary.' She emphasized that even the strongest swimmers can face danger. 'It was only one really bad minute. I felt in control, but it took my real strength to get out past the waves. I'm an Olympic swimmer, and I struggled!'
The Importance of Water Safety
The incident left a lasting impression. 'It really scared me, absolutely terrified me. I was exhausted. In that instant, I thought nobody stands a chance unless you are a confident swimmer.' Adlington supports the Mirror's campaign, urging the government to do more. 'Too many people are losing their lives. Why is there so much open water without safety equipment? We need proper signage and to prioritize swimming skills in schools.'
Swim! Centres and Teaching Children
Adlington, who runs Swim! centres with fellow Olympian Steve Parry MBE, stresses the importance of early swimming lessons. 'The sweet spot is between 3 and 5 years old. That's the fundamental age to learn body position and before fear develops.' Her own children started lessons as babies. She advises avoiding blue swimsuits for visibility and recommends bright colours like orange.
Adlington finds teaching more rewarding than her Olympic medals. 'We had a child who was traumatized by water and wouldn't even get in the bath. Swim! changed his life. This is why we do what we do.' She believes swimming should be as vital as reading and writing, especially as 500 pools have closed in five years.
Campaign Support and Calls for Action
The Mirror's 'Save Lives for Sam' campaign has united bereaved families, the Royal Life Saving Society UK, RoSPA, the RNLI, and others. Ashley Jones from RLSS UK said, 'Even strong swimmers can get into trouble. Knowing how to swim is not enough; water safety knowledge is essential.' Adlington added, 'Drownings are so regular, especially in summer, yet nothing changes. We're not asking for millions, just basic safety equipment and signage.'
