Volunteer & Support Opportunities
The English Channel relay swim is a massive undertaking, and it takes more than just swimmers to make it a success. Volunteers and support crew play a crucial role in helping teams achieve their goals and ensuring everything runs smoothly. Whether you’re passionate about open-water swimming, have organisational skills, or just want to support a great cause, there are plenty of ways to get involved.
Why Volunteer?
Volunteering for an English Channel relay event gives you the chance to be part of an iconic swim, even if you’re not in the water. By lending your time and skills, you help create a safe and positive experience for swimmers while supporting important causes like SwimTayka, which provides swimming lessons and water safety education to children in need.
Volunteer Roles
There are several opportunities to volunteer and contribute your time and skills both on the day of the swim and in the lead-up to the event. Here are some key roles you can take on:
Support Boat Crew
Volunteers on the support boat play a key role in keeping swimmers safe and motivated. Tasks include helping with swimmer transitions, offering support during rest periods, managing equipment, and ensuring the swimmers stay hydrated and energised. This role requires a strong sense of responsibility and good communication skills.
Safety Observers
Safety is the number one priority in any Channel swim. Volunteer observers assist the official Channel Swimming & Piloting Federation (CS&PF) observers by helping to monitor swimmer safety, keeping records, and ensuring that the swim complies with the rules. This role is ideal for individuals with a keen eye for detail and an interest in open-water swimming protocols.
Fundraising Assistance
Help swimmers meet their fundraising goals by organising events or managing donation campaigns. This can involve setting up fundraising pages, coordinating charity events, or assisting with social media campaigns to raise awareness for SwimTayka and other partnered causes. Your work will ensure that every penny raised goes towards life-saving water safety education programmes.
Event Organisation & Logistics
Do you have organisational skills and love bringing people together? Assist with the logistics of organising swim events, training sessions, and team briefings. Volunteers in this role help plan the practical details, from coordinating boat hire and pilot schedules to managing registration processes and ensuring that all swimmers have the information they need.
How to Get Involved
Getting involved as a volunteer is easy and highly rewarding. Here’s how you can take part:
Sign Up
Complete our volunteer registration form and let us know which role interests you the most.
Get Trained
Depending on the role you choose, you may need to attend a training session. For example, safety observers will receive detailed instructions on Channel swim regulations and emergency procedures.
Be Flexible:
Channel swims are highly dependent on weather conditions and tides, so flexibility is key. Volunteers may need to be available on short notice to help when conditions are ideal for the swim.
Why Your Support Matters
Volunteers are the backbone of every successful relay swim. By offering your time and energy, you help ensure the safety and well-being of swimmers while supporting a meaningful cause. The funds raised from these swims go directly towards providing vital swimming lessons and water safety education in communities that need them the most.
Benefits of Volunteering
Be Part of Something Big
Experience the excitement of an English Channel swim up close and personal.
Make a Difference:
Know that your efforts are helping to save lives by supporting water safety education.
Learn New Skills
Gain practical experience in event management, safety protocols, and open-water swimming.
Join a Community
Become part of a network of passionate swimmers, volunteers, and supporters who share your love for the sport and commitment to making a positive impact.
Support Opportunities for Businesses & Organisations
We also welcome businesses and organisations that want to get involved by sponsoring teams or providing logistical support. Companies can contribute by sponsoring swimmers, donating equipment, or offering resources that help the event run smoothly. Your business will be recognised as a key supporter of water safety education and open-water swimming initiatives.
How to Get Started
We also welcome businesses and organisations that want to get involved by sponsoring teams or providing logistical support. Companies can contribute by sponsoring swimmers, donating equipment, or offering resources that help the event run smoothly. Your business will be recognised as a key supporter of water safety education and open-water swimming initiatives.