Page revised 28 March 2026
Our bookings for 2026 are currently at capacity.
Any available swim slots will be announced on this page as they become open.
Preparing for Your English Channel Swim:
As we approach the swim season, it’s important to know what to expect once your swim date is confirmed in the diary, you have your essential swim number, and you’re ready to take on the challenge of the English Channel.
Arrival and Initial Contact
Upon arrival in the Dover area, please get settled in and make contact (best via WhatsApp). We will then arrange a meeting on board “High Hopes” to discuss any last-minute queries, familiarise you with the swim vessel, and ensure you feel prepared.
One Week Before Your Swim Window
You will receive an email containing:
- Passport information form: Required for everyone boarding, enabling us to complete necessary UK and French border force paperwork. Need to be returned within a couple of days via email or WhatsApp.
- Medical awareness forms: Required for everyone boarding, these can be returned by email, WhatsApp, or handed in as a hard copy on the day.
- Details on where to find us, including parking information and a “Ringo App” code for discounted 24-hour parking.
We will chat to address any last-minute questions, weather conditions and the likely swim date and time.
Few Days Before Your Swim Window
We will have conversations at least twice daily to discuss weather conditions and potential swim dates and times.
Additional Considerations
During your swim window, you must be prepared to swim at short notice. Flexibility is key, as weather and tide conditions play a significant role in scheduling.
Meeting Time
The meeting time we provide is the time we expect you to be waiting at the gate to the visitor’s loading berths. Swim times are determined by the tides, not personal preference.
Parking Information
Parking is managed via the “Ringo App.” Please download and set up the app prior to arrival so you don’t have to spend time on this on the day.
Swim Window and Scheduling
We will always try to get you started earlier than your booked swim date if the weather is favourable and we are up to date with scheduled swims. If you’re unable to move forward from your booked date, don’t worry—not everyone can be flexible.
Day of Swim
Arrival and Equipment
On the day of your swim, you will be let in through the gate. A limited number of trolleys are available to assist with transporting your equipment down to “High Hopes”.
Working together, all equipment needs to be brought on board and stowed safely. Guidance will be provided to show you where items can be stored securely.
Safety Briefing
A safety briefing will be conducted for everyone on board, covering essential procedures that must be followed. All on board are required to sign to confirm their understanding and compliance. The briefing will include:
- Procedures in case of emergency
- General safety measures
- Housekeeping and availability of refreshments
- Key reasons for swim abandonment
- Protocol if you say “I want to get out”
- Compliance with all procedures
Housekeeping
A rubbish bag will be provided for your use. Please ensure you take it with you when departing “High Hopes” at the end of your return journey to Dover.
Official Observer
The appointed official observer will speak with you to complete the necessary paperwork prior to your swim.
Passage to Start Point
The journey to the start point will take approximately 30 minutes. You will be given a 10-minute warning before arrival at Samphire Hoe, providing time to prepare, including applying grease.
Start of the Swim
Once everyone is ready, we will approach the beach as close as is safely possible. On the crew’s command, you will leave “High Hopes” via the dive platform, swim to the beach, and stand clear of the water. After you hear the siren, begin your swim back to “High Hopes”, positioning yourselves as discussed and agreed beforehand.
Swim to France
It’s time to swim to France!
Personal insurance to cover you for this extreme sporting event is required
It is essential to thoroughly READ & UNDERSTAND your channel swim pilot contract, which you have signed, because it is a legally binding agreement.
Swimming events will be governed by the regulations of the CS&PF for skin swims, and the CCA for wetsuit swimmers. Participants are required to review and fully understand these rules prior to the event.
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.