This year Brockwell Swimmers will once again be organising relay teams to swim the English Channel, one of the most iconic endurance swims in the world. Swimming in teams, each member takes a one-hour stint in rotation, day and night, until the relay reaches the beaches of France. At a steady, moderate pace the crossing typically takes around 14 hours, though conditions at sea always have the final say.

Channel swimming is a true test of resilience. Water temperatures rarely rise above 16–18°C, there are strong tides to contend with, and the crossing must be completed under strict rules: no wetsuits, no flotation aids, and no physical contact with the support boat. It is just you, the sea, and your teammates, supported by an experienced pilot boat and the collective training, preparation and encouragement of Brockwell Swimmers.

Since 2022, the club has organised ten successful Channel relays, with swimmers of all ages and backgrounds taking part. Together, these swims have raised over £35,000 for local and national charities, including vital support for organisations connected to water safety and open water swimming. Among these is the RNLI, whose volunteer crews work tirelessly around the UK and Channel coastlines, saving lives at sea and responding to emergencies in some of the most challenging conditions imaginable. Their presence and expertise form an essential part of the wider safety ecosystem that makes adventures like Channel swimming possible.

To date, around 1,705 relay teams and more than 8,200 swimmers have completed an England–France crossing, a tiny number when set against the millions who dream of it. Completing a Channel relay places you in a very small and special club, bonded by shared hardship, teamwork, and an unforgettable sense of achievement.

This is more than a swim. It’s an epic adventure, a chance to push your limits, raise money for great causes, and be part of Brockwell Swimmers’ growing Channel legacy.

How many people can say they have swum the Channel? This is your chance to join them.

If you’re up for the challenge, please get in touch, we’d love to hear from you.