Free SwimTayka’s English Channel Challenge for Change 2025

It was just the most amazing experience and we're really glad it worked out for us.

Thanks so much for all your support over the last year and helping to make it all happen.

We're super chuffed that we managed to raise so much for such a worthy cause as well.

Best

Lucas

Hi, thank you so much for your kind words it means a lot. I want to thank you for everything you’ve done for the program I think we all learnt so much from you and it will help us to improve and be better teachers, you have been so kind and patient and I’m grateful I met you and work with you. Hope you have a safe flight and take care too! From Lucia

I would like to thank everyone massively for a truly memorable few weeks in Itacaré. All of the staff were extremely comforting, understanding and compassionate in their treatment to me. Despite the fact I spoke very little Portuguese, you all went above and beyond to make me feel at home in Itacaré, from the day trips, the gym and to the meals out, I appreciate it all. The project itself was too amazing, massive thank you to Jana for understanding my strong passion for swimming teaching and going above and beyond to prepare additional ‘special’ classes for me to perform my work outside of the regular SwimTayka routine. I truly do appreciate this massively. Furthermore, it was inspirational to see a staff force so committed to a charity and it’s values and you have set a high bar for how I expect most NGOs to operate. Everything from start to finish of my short but sweet time with ETIV was great, and I truly hope to see you all again at some point in the future.

Why swim with strangers across a busy shipping lane? Call it a mid-life adventure, fueled by a glass half empty. After being asked multiple times, I finally said yes, ready to challenge myself physically and mentally and trust in a team. Training has been wonderful, forging friendships and allies. Swim Tayka aligns with my swimming values, making it the perfect choice for me. Camilla Golledge

I've spent my life by the sea, learning to swim at a young age. Swimming long distances and challenging myself became a passion, supporting various charities. Working with children by the coast made me realize the importance of swimming and environmental education worldwide. Swim Tayka, a charity founded by Bryan, is incredible, providing joy and preventing drowning. The ocean brings me freedom and eternal joy, something every child should experience. I discovered Swim Tayka after my mother's passing. Learning that "Tayka" means mother in the Andean Aymara language felt like destiny. Now, I train with the Swim Tayka family, though I'm apprehensive about jellyfish and sea sickness. However, the children's joy in learning to swim will be my motivation. Some may think I'm crazy for swimming the channel with just a hat, goggles, and a swimsuit. But hey, what could possibly go wrong? 🤣