Want to swim the English Channel again… for FREE?

SwimTayka is calling on experienced Channel swimmers to sign up for 2025 and help support those undertaking the feat for the first time

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Did you know that fewer people get to swim the English Channel than climb Mount Everest? But now one swimming charity is giving these select few a chance to do it all over again – for free. 

SwimTayka, which runs swimming and drowning prevention programmes, is calling on former Channel swimmers to sign up for 2025 and help support those undertaking the feat for the first time.

The Experienced Relay Swimmer Initiative is an invitation for former Channel swimmers to recruit and manage their own team, while still benefitting from all the organisational and logistic support needed to make their team’s dream a reality!

Free entry for experienced swimmers

Every year, the charity organises teams to cross the Channel in a relay, swimming an hour each at a time. The funds raised by the swimmers help fund the charity’s free programmes, which run in under-resourced countries where access to swimming lessons is limited.

Now SwimTayka has launched the Experienced Relay Swimmer Initiative, where former Channel swimmers can recruit and manage their own team, but still have all the organisational and logistic support needed from SwimTayka. While their teammates must commit to fundraising for SwimTayka, they can take part for free.

“We’re excited to introduce this new initiative to attract swimmers who have previously completed the English Channel as a relay team member,” said Ash Fanglore, SwimTayka’s Fundraising Manager. “We are offering free entry for these experienced swimmers, provided they manage and recruit five other swimmers for the team.”

First time? You can still join the 2025 relay teams

SwimTayka is also recruiting first-time Channel swimmers, who want to fulfil a lifetime’s ambition. “Swimming the English Channel as part of a relay team is a great way to push your limits and achieve a significant personal accomplishment,” Ash added. 

“At SwimTayka, we offer a unique opportunity for swimmers to use their passion for swimming to make a positive impact on the world. By supporting our mission and fundraising for the cause, swimmers can help make a difference to the lives of people around the world by promoting safe swimming practices and reducing drowning incidents.”

As well as organising all the logistics for the crossing, including pilot boats, SwimTayka provides extensive support to teams. This includes access to swim coaches and former Channel swimmers, as well as opportunities to train in the sea at Dover. The charity also has advice on fundraising, as each team member pledges to fundraise for the charity.

For more information about the Experienced Relay Swimmer Initiative, register your interest here. To find out how to join the 2025 Channel relay swims, visit the Swim Tayka website.