Fastest two-way swim crossing of the North Channel (male)

The fastest male to swim across the North Channel from Northern Ireland to Scotland, UK, and back again is Brian Foster (Ireland), who completed the double crossing in 24 hours 50 minutes 13 seconds on 15–16 September 2024, as verified by the Irish Long Distance Swimming Association (ILDSA). The round-journey swim from The Gobbins on Islandmagee, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, via the Killantringan Lighthouse north of Portpatrick, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland, was piloted by Pádraig Mallon on board ÄÄRETÖN.

Foster is only the second solo swimmer ever to complete a non-stop two-way crossing of the North Channel; the first was Sarah Thomas (USA) on 9–10 July 2022, clocking a time of 21 hours 46 minutes 38 seconds.

Foster (b. 23 October 2007) also became the youngest person to swim across the North Channel one way, aged 16 years 328 days when he reached Scotland during the first leg on 15 September.

As per ILDSA rules, the route must follow the Admiralty Chart 2198, Southern Part, which measures 18.6 nautical miles (21.5 mi; 35 km).