Page revised 17 March 2026
We have the below swim slots available for 2026.
| Tide Window | Spring / Neap Tide | Slot No. |
|---|---|---|
| 03 – 11 June | Neap | Two |
| 12 – 20 June | Spring | Two |
Booking conformation
On booking a slot for 2026 you will receive an email with the tide window and slot number
We strongly recommend that international swimmers be in the UK five days before and after the swim window, this gives the best chances of swimming if the weather is against us
Please be advised that charity relay swims are subject to a maximum of three swim slots per charity organization.
When and What happens now
| Costings | £3,500 |
| Contract sent out | 2 Day’s after booking |
| Booking fee | No later than 2 weeks after contract sent |
| Contract return | No later than 2 weeks after contract sent |
| Deposit | TBC in contract |
| Remaining balance | Up to and including day of swim (cleared funds in account or GBP cash on day of swim) |
The cost for solo / relay, 2-way swims are double all above pay structure
If requesting a booking of a 2-way swim, evidence must be provided of a 1-way successful channel swim first
Personal insurance to cover you for this extreme sporting event is required
It is important that you READ & UNDERSTAND your channel swim pilot contract which will be sent once you have chosen a swim date & slot and clarify what you are agreeing to before you (and any team members) sign as this is a legally binding document.
We will notify the CS&PF or the CCA office the first week of January 2026, depending on type of swim you wish to undertake and that your swim reservation is confirmed (booking fee, contract returned & deposit paid) they will then contact you by email with your 2026 application form.
Channel Swimming & Pilot Federation (CS&PF)
Before you start to complete the paperwork, please READ THE CS&PF RULES and information on the CS&PF web site: www.cspf.co.uk .
You can only get the 2026 CS&PF application and medical forms from the CS&PF office and you can only use the forms sent to you which are specific to the year of your swim. This is so that the CS&PF office can regulate and track the swim reservations. Check the CS&PF web site for the latest arrangements for registration.
17 March 2026
UPDATE: Following the CS&PF Annual General Meeting, it was observed that the swimmers present did not support an “interrupted swim” and preferred to abort the attempt, which is considered part of the challenge of crossing the English Channel.
09 March 2026
Enforced Regulations from the British Coastguard (MCA) and French Coastguard
Following a recent meeting with representatives of both the British and French coastguards, it was communicated that, should a channel swim impede commercial shipping or a search and rescue (SAR) operation, swimmers must be removed from the water and the area cleared until it is deemed safe to resume. Once the danger has passed, the swim may continue.
Although this regulation has been in place for many years, it will now be strictly enforced. Both pilots and swimmers are required to comply fully. In the unlikely event that such an interruption occurs, we are currently collaborating with the CS&PF to implement a rule allowing for swims affected by these circumstances to be formally recognized as “interrupted swims.”
Looking ahead to the 2026 swim season, the coastguards will be closely monitoring activities. Since Channel swims are permitted at the discretion of the authorities, it is essential that all participants adhere strictly to these guidelines to ensure the continued future of Channel swimming.
Channel Crossing Association (CCA)
If you wish an attempt to swim the English Channel while wearing a wetsuit, please let us know so the swim can be registered through the CCA (channelcrossingassociation.net) to gain permission by the British & French authorities.
You can only get the 2026 CCA application and medical forms from the CCA office and you can only use the forms sent to you which are specific to the year of your swim. This is so that the CCA office can regulate and track the swim reservations.