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.
- 24 Jan 2026
CS&PF Annual Dinner 2026 - One week remaining
Channel Swimming & Piloting Federation Annual Dinner 2026Saturday 14th March 2026Channel Suite - Leas Cliff Hall - FolkestoneHere we go again………………………………….This is your advance warning for the CS&PF Annual Dinner.Tickets will go on sale on the 2nd of January 2025. Full details will be advertised at www.cspf.co.uk, this is just giving you the time to get organised.Tickets are £50 person.Tickets will remain on sale until the 31st of January unless they sell out sooner. After that date I would only be able to refund any cancellations if I resell the ticket.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. If you wish to sit together, book together.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. ThanksMichelle Read more
