Connor Childs Swims 5 Miles from Cayman Brac to Little Cayman for Land Conservation

On Thursday, 14th August 2025, Connor Childs, 22, a member of the National Trust and local conservationist, completed one of his lifelong goals by swimming 5 miles from Cayman Brac to Little Cayman. Connor was inspired to complete this 5-mile swim after hearing his Montessori By The Sea teacher, Ms. Andrea, tell the story of swimming it herself. He decided to use this personal challenge as an opportunity to give back by raising funds for nature conservation to protect our native biodiversity with the National Trust for the Cayman Islands.
Connor received incredible support from the local community, including the wildlife. During the swim, he appeared to be cheered on by a Brown Booby, which helped lead the way as he cleared the halfway point. This was a poignant moment, as Connor was striving to protect what he loves, the natural heritage of the Cayman Islands. Another heartfelt moment occurred when Ms. Andrea, who had inspired Connor to take on this personal challenge, joined him as they swam the last mile together towards Point of Sand, Little Cayman. Connor was greeted by the Little Cayman community as he completed his swim.
After the event, Connor said that “the swim was one hardest things I’ve ever done, but no matter how many times I wanted to stop, I knew I had to keep going for the sake of our natural environment. I’m so inspired by all the people who helped me on this journey and all those who donated. The Brac and Little Cayman communities went above and beyond in their support and I’m incredibly grateful.”
The National Trust received a heartwarming response from their members and the local community in support of Connor’s swim. Encouraging messages and donations to the National Trust Land Reserve Fund poured in, helping to raise over $13,000 in personal donations for the protection of ecologically significant habitats across our three islands. Special thanks to Maples for their Bronze Pledge. Currently, the National Trust protects just over 3, 600 acres of critically important habitat. Some of their key protected areas include the Mastic Reserve, Salina Reserve, Colliers Wilderness Reserve, the Brac Parrot Reserve, and the Little Cayman Booby Pond Nature Reserve. These special places in nature are home to Cayman’s endemic and native wildlife.
Pledge to protect what you love. Donate today to our Land Reserve Fund to protect valuable and special places in nature forever. Together, we can continue to protect our natural heritage.
Click this link to donate to our Land Reserve Fund or visit our website www.nationaltrust.org.ky Or, join the National Trust by becoming a member, your membership fee directly supports preserving our natural and built heritage. Click here to become a member.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported Connor in his swim and efforts to raise awareness and funds for the National Trust Land Reserve Fund.