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CWU USR's Job Is Never Done - Even When Retired!

Annual Cross Mersey Swim - 10 August 2024

Greater Mersey Amal Branch retired member Derek Maylor who was the branch's Health & Safety Officer (T&FS), Chair of the NW BT Unions H&S Co-ordinators Committee, and now a Trustee of the Merseyside Asbestos Victims Support Group; continues his health & safety vocation within his community in Merseyside.

Here he reports on his latest involvement as a retired CWU USR helping to ensure the safety of those swimming across the River Mersey:

Safety never stops - I was asked if I’d assist on a Safety Boat for this Mersey event, couldn’t say no to a day out on a boat even if I had a job to do.

Once arriving at Liverpool Marina I and the other crew were briefed in our safety role from Paul, the Skipper, which could be loosely described as “a spotter”. Meaning, if were to spot any swimmer in distress or struggling there was a routine to follow from raising the alarm, getting the swimmer assistance and helping them into our safety boat.  

Swimmers preparing to enter the Mersey

Our boat left the marina into the Mersey and waiting for the swimmers to enter the water on the east bank of the River at the South Ferry Basin. They were to swim across the River to Monks Ferry Slipway and our role was to cover up river ensuring no single swimmer was left out of line of sight as any time, essential for their safety.

All the other safety boats were spread out to get maximum coverage and had the same role, staying in touch with each other via keeping a listening watch on VHF Channel 12.

A few of the swimmers midway with a support canoe

We were out over two hours and amazingly three of the 170 swimmers achieved the crossing in twenty five minutes. More importantly, all made it across safely and enjoyed the experience, I certainly did.

One of the highlights was spotting a seal near Birkenhead but we were all too slow to get a photo and couldn’t dwell on it as we were there to spot the swimmers not the wildlife.

Hopefully I will be invited back next year to help again. 

Swimmers are welcomed to Monks Ferry with a drink, food and a medal

Full results from: My Race Result. (2024). Across Mersey Swim. [Online]. Last Updated: 10 August.
Available at: https://my.raceresult.com/301862/. [Accessed 18th August 2024]

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