Summary of Key CSPF Rules for Relay Swims (up to date as of 21 February 2026)
This section provides a summarised overview of the principal rules as extracted from the main Channel Swimming and Piloting Federation (CSPF) rules. All participants are required to review this summary thoroughly to ensure full understanding and compliance. In case of any dispute or complaint the full set of published rules take precedent..
Confirmation of Understanding
After signing your CS&PF relay application form you have indicated that you and your team understand the rules
Further Information and Enquiries
If you have any queries regarding the regulations or require additional clarification, you are encouraged to consult the official rules, which can be found here: https://cspf.co.uk/cs-and-pf-rules
Alternatively, you may contact the Honorary Secretary directly at secretary@cspf.co.uk.
12. Rules for Channel Relay Teams
Relay Swim Categories
Relay swims are categorised in the same manner as solo swims: Standard, Special, and Assisted. Any deviation from a standard Channel crossing must receive prior approval from the CS&PF committee before the swim commences.
1.Swimsuit Clarification
Swimmers are permitted to wear only one swimsuit, which may be in one or two pieces. The swimsuit must not extend beyond the shoulders or below the knees, and all swimsuits must be manufactured from textile materials.
Caps worn by swimmers must not be made from neoprene or any other material that provides similar heat retention properties, as determined by the CS&PF Committee.
Swimwear and Accessories
- No swimmer undertaking a standard Channel attempt may use or wear any device or swimsuit that could enhance speed, buoyancy, heat retention, or endurance. Prohibited items include wetsuits, webbed gloves, paddles, fins, and similar equipment.
- The swimmer may apply grease to the body prior to the swim and is permitted to wear goggles and one hat.
- Nose clips and earplugs are allowed.
- The use of tape on the body is not permitted except with advance committee approval and clarification by the observer.
- The swimmer is not allowed to use MP3 players or any other electrical audio devices while swimming during any English Channel swim attempt. This restriction is in place to maintain the integrity of the swim, except in circumstances where the use of such devices is deemed necessary for safety reasons.
Permitted Male Costumes
Male swimmers may wear textile, non-performance enhancing traditional swimming trunks or jammers, extending from waist to knee. These must be made of knitted (not woven) materials and feature sewn (not bonded or taped) seams, without any hydrophobic coating.
Permitted Female Costumes
Female swimmers may wear textile, non-performance enhancing traditional swim costumes, or costumes that extend from the shoulders to knees. These costumes must be made of knitted (not woven) materials, with sewn (not bonded or taped) seams, and must not have a hydrophobic coating.
Caps and Other Accessories
Silicone or latex hats are permitted for all swimmers.
Observer’s Role and Pre-Swim Confirmation
The Observer will observe all aspects of the swim, maintain a record, and prepare a report for submission to the CS&PF for ratification. They will review swimwear and equipment, and record anything they have concerns about. It is essential that the swimmer ensures their costume and cap are of an approved type prior to the start of the swim, as failure to comply may result in the swim not being recognised. If there is any uncertainty regarding compliance, swimmers are advised to seek guidance or approval from the CS&PF Committee well in advance, allowing adequate time for any necessary research or investigation to be conducted.
2. Regulations During a Swim
Physical Contact
Throughout the duration of the swim, no person is permitted to make physical contact with the swimmer. The only exceptions to this rule are for the purposes of passing food and drink, or for securing safety-related items such as light sticks. These actions are allowed solely to ensure the swimmer’s safety and well-being during the attempt.
3. Standard Relay Team Rules
Team Composition and Swim Order
Each standard relay team must be comprised of six swimmers, with each participant swimming for a continuous period of one hour (60 minutes). The sequence in which swimmers undertake their first leg determines the order for the entirety of the relay. This order must remain unchanged throughout the event.
Relay Change-Over Procedure
Swimmer changeovers are at the conclusion of each designated swim period—either every 60 minutes for standard teams, or every 120 minutes for teams opting for the two- or three-person relay format. The observer is responsible for signalling when the change-over is to take place. At this point, the incoming swimmer must enter the water from behind and swim past the outgoing swimmer. The swimmer finishing their leg must exit the water as promptly as possible, and no later than five minutes after their swim period has ended.
Rotation and Support Restrictions
Team members are required to rotate in the same order throughout the relay swim. The use of pace-making or support swimmers is strictly prohibited during the relay.
Safety Swimmer Provision
Should the conditions at the end of the relay swim warrant additional safety measures, the pilot or ship’s master may request a safety swimmer to accompany the final swimmer.
Special Category Relay Swims
Special category relay swims operate under the same regulations as standard relay events, with the exception of team size. Teams may consist of 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 or 8 swimmers. For teams comprising 2 or 3 members, there is an option to select either one-hour or two-hour swim periods for the entirety of the relay. It is a requirement that the chosen swim period is declared prior to the commencement of the Channel crossing and that this decision remains in effect throughout the swim.
Assisted Swim
An assisted category swim follows the same guidelines as a standard swim, with the sole exception being the permitted use of minimum additional aids or contact, as authorised by the CS&PF in advance. This provision is intended solely for circumstances where safety is a concern due to medical or other validated reasons. Acceptance for an assisted category swim requires prior approval from the CS&PF Committee.