When Andy Donaldson crossed the 19.5 km Tsugaru Channel in northern Japan in July 2023 in rough conditions to complete the Oceans Seven within one calendar year, his crew hoisted the traditional Japanese signage on his escort boat: 遠泳中 (swimmer in the water).

The escort boat signage is used in many open water swimming events and channel crossings in Japan, especially when there are plenty of marine vessels using the same waterways.

The diving community does the same.

Good move by the Japanese.

During Donaldson’s Tsugaru Channel crossing, he was supported by escort boat pilot Captain Mizushima of Ocean Navi, coordinator Haruyuki Ishii, mother Ruth Donaldson (not pictured above), and handler Jay Prchal.

© 2023 Daily News of Open Water Swimming

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