153. RNLI 200 Voices Interviews: Louise Minchin

Familiar to millions as the former face of BBC Breakfast, hear how RNLI supporter Louise Minchin surprised herself with a midlife love of – and talent for – outdoor swimming 

It’s part of Louise’s family lore that she could swim before she could walk. Her passion for swimming shone during her childhood when she swam competitively until she was 15. 

Louise talks about why she decided to stop racing as a teen, and how her passion for swimming challenges resurfaced with a vengeance in her mid-40s. From the comfort of a pool to tackling a swim to Alcatraz, San Francisco, Louise shares her love of the sea – and why the RNLI is close to her heart. 

Learn more about open water swimming.

200 Voices is produced by Adventurous Audio for the RNLI   

Interview by the RNLI’s Rory Stamp  

Soundtrack composed and performed by Jon Nicholls   

The RNLI is a charity celebrating 200 years of saving lives at sea - find out more at RNLI.org/200