Paralympian Melanie Barratt Becomes the First Blind Woman to Swim the English Channel

At Red Equipment, we celebrate stories of courage, determination, and the transformative power of nature. Meet Melanie Barratt, a double Paralympic champion and the first blind woman to swim the English Channel. Melanie’s journey, from swimming in pools to conquering open water, proves that with innovation, community, and an unyielding spirit, anything is possible. Through her remarkable achievements, she highlights the profound connection between water and well-being and inspires us all to embrace the "blue space."

The water is my happy place, whether it’s by it, on it, or in it. As I have very limited sight (I
am registered blind) I think it’s related to the sensations, the sound, the smell and the movement of the water. And the peace…

I swam in a pool for many years, I competed internationally with other blind swimmers and had a career that culminated in winning Gold and Silver at the Atlanta Paralympics and Gold, Silver and Bronze at Sydney. It was a fantastic 10 years that took me all over the world; but it was also an incredibly stressful and intense time. I knew that people swam in open water and I knew that people swam the channel but I thought it would be impossible to do this as a blind person- I relied too much on lane ropes, stroke counts and predictability! So I tried other sports for a few years but the water always drew me like a magnet. I loved just being near any blue space in any way - it put me at peace and grounded in a way nothing else could - especially the sea. I think it’s all the movement and noise and constant change.

But it was only until a few years ago that I ventured into open water. A friend of mine
introduced me to the cold water of the river, and I was hooked. The feeling of being literally immersed in nature and the cold forces a mindfulness like nothing else.  I wanted more! And me being me, I wanted a challenge! So I entered my first 10k swim - a marathon in the swimming world. I had no idea how I was going to navigate it as I couldn’t see to sight a buoy or a landmark. Through trial and error and many swims I eventually settled on a system that enabled me to swim independently and to my full ability - I use a bone conducting radio headset system that means I can be guided in real time - from a boat, from the bank, or from a guide on a Red Paddle board. In this way I completed multiple Thames marathons, Lake Windermere twice, and swam in a 6 woman relay team across Lake Geneva (71km!). My ultimate dream, though, was always to be the first blind woman to swim the English Channel.

My channel attempt took years to build up to.  I had to get used to the biting, numbing, horrible cold as all I could wear was a swimsuit and hat. I had to prepare my body
and mind to swim all day long in the sea. I was scared of the cold, waves, cramps and injuries, but most of all, jellyfish. Last year was spent mostly in water of one kind or another - a very solitary experience but also fulfilling and satisfying.  I surrounded myself with the most incredibly supportive team of ladies who were literally with me the whole
way.  

On the day, we started from Dover in the dark at 4.50am, and I swam alongside the boat Masterpiece as the sun rose.  I was never cold, the sea was beautiful and blue and tranquil, the sun rose in the sky and smiled down at us.  We were blessed with the most incredible conditions… so I swam… and swam… and swam for 12 hours 20. My three crew mates guided me, fed me, watered me, encouraged me and supported me all the way. At the end one of them came into the water with me to ensure I was able to get out onto the rocks of Cap Gris Nez. And then I’d done it… the first blind woman to swim across the English Channel! 

Despite spending so many hours in the sea it’s still my happy place.  But I don’t have any huge desire to swim it again - I had the most perfect day that could never be bettered. I’m still revelling in happiness and feeling content and fulfilled.  

This year I’m going to concentrate on promoting the power of blue space for mental and physical health. And I want to make the water more accessible for all.  I’m working with mass participation swim events and charities to make this happen. Being disabled can be so incredibly isolating, I know this myself.  But open water swimming has changed my life completely and I want to help everyone experience this too. 

If you’d like to find out more about my story a film crew followed the journey with me and a film is available on Sky on demand called Untethered… I also share on Facebook as Blind Girl Swims or Instagram as Blind_Girl_Swims

Words by Melanie Barratt: Blind Swimmer / Double Paralympic Champion / 6 x World Champion / World Triathlon Champion/ First Blind Woman to Swim the English Channel 

Facebook: @Blind Girl Swims
Instagram: @Blind_girl_swims