It is up to you as the swimmer to ensure you are aware of the risks and responsibilities associated with Channel Swimming. You should not attempt open water swimming without full consideration and acceptance of the risks to your own survival.
The main risks associated with Channel Swimming include: hypothermia, inadequate training, overconfidence, inexperience, inadequate preparation and a lack of understanding of the challenge being undertaken. Educating yourself well before committing to swim the Channel is wholly necessary. The educational process involves mental and physical preparation and total commitment.
Channel swimming is an extreme sport which requires dedicated training on a consistent basis. A swimmer must mitigate their chances of risking life and limb when planning and participating in an English Channel swim.
The assessment of a swim should commence by acknowledging that it is part of a high risk sport. There is a need for a good support team who knows the swimmer/s and their limits well and who can make decisions for them while they are swimming.
The primary resonsibility for the safety of the swimmer lies with themselves. If you are not ready to swim, don't risk it. Wait, regroup, replan and remember that the English Channel will always be there, ensure you are ready for it.
- 01 Jan 2026
CS&PF Annual Dinner 2026
Channel Swimming & Piloting Federation Annual Dinner 2026Saturday 14th March 2026Channel Suite - Leas Cliff Hall - Folkestonetickets@cspf.co.ukTickets are now on sale and are £50 per person.Tickets will be on sale until the 31st of January unless they sell out sooner.To book your tickets please, for my sanity read the following carefully and only apply for tickets when you have ALL the information.Information required at the time of booking:The name of everyone in your party. Make one booking for the whole group.Tables seat 10.If you are booking more than one table, please state who will be sat at which table.Dietary requirements – this cannot be accommodated on the night so must be supplied at the time of booking.Access requirements / special needs.The country you are travelling from if it is outside the UK.Swim stories to a maximum of 150 words for each 2025 season solo swimmer.Photos for each 2025 solo swimmer, and relay team in your party.Please name the file names the solo surname or relay name.Once I have ALL the information required to make your booking, I will send you the details to make payment by bank transfer. When making your transfer please:Make one payment for your whole party.Use the name that made the booking as the reference on the bank transfer.I made it through last year without threatening to murder someone at some point in the process, so let’s go for the double ????.ThanksMichelletickets@cspf.co.uk Read more
