British National Team Targets English Channel Relay World Record for RLSS UK
- A high-profile team of six British Olympians and elite open water swimmers is preparing to challenge a 36-year-old English Channel Relay World Record in September 2026, according to...
- The record-breaking swim will take place during a weather window between September 15 and September 25, 2026, depending on optimal water temperatures and conditions, as reported by RLSS...
- The squad combines elite pool speed with marathon open water endurance, built specifically for this mission.
A high-profile team of six British Olympians and elite open water swimmers is preparing to challenge a 36-year-old English Channel Relay World Record in September 2026, according to the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK). The team aims to complete the roughly 33-kilometer swim from England to Cap Gris-Nez, France, in under 6 hours and 52 minutes, targeting a benchmark set by the US National Swim Team in 1990.
The Record Attempt and Route Details
The record-breaking swim will take place during a weather window between September 15 and September 25, 2026, depending on optimal water temperatures and conditions, as reported by RLSS UK. The six-person relay requires each athlete to swim for an hour at a time, navigating seawater temperatures ranging from 13 to 17 degrees Celsius. Swimmers will tackle the route wetsuit-free while facing tidal currents of up to 12 knots and jellyfish along the course, according to RLSS UK.
Meet the British National Team Roster
The squad combines elite pool speed with marathon open water endurance, built specifically for this mission. The roster features six accomplished athletes:
- Tom Dean: Triple Olympic gold medallist and England’s most decorated Commonwealth athlete, who serves as an RLSS UK Ambassador.
- Dan Jervis: Double British Olympian and double Commonwealth Games medallist.
- Tobias Robinson: British Open Water Olympian and English 1500m record holder.
- George Taplin: Lake Windermere world record holder and the first person to complete the 13 Lakes 71km swim challenge in three days, as noted by RLSS UK.
- Josh Gammon: British Champion in the 200m butterfly and world champion in the lifesaving relay.
- Hector Pardoe: Double British open water Olympian and World Championship bronze medallist in the 10km open water event.
Charity Partnership and Fundraising Goal
The challenge supports RLSS UK’s mission to promote water safety education across the United Kingdom. Organizers aim to raise at least £100,000 to fund vital water safety education programs in 1,333 classrooms, helping nearly 40,000 children gain essential survival skills. According to RLSS UK, an average equivalent to a classroom of 33 children is lost to drowning in England every year.
This is a serious attempt at a record that has stood for 36 years. The team has been built specifically with this challenge in mind, combining Olympic-level pool speed with open water endurance and marathon experience. We believe we have what it takes to bring this record back to Britain.
Tom Dean MBE, RLSS UK Ambassador and Olympian
As elite competitors prepare to enter the water this September, supporters are being encouraged to back the initiative to help reduce preventable drowning incidents nationwide. Emma Carter, RLSS UK’s director of income generation and engagement, noted that every pound raised will provide young people with the confidence and knowledge to enjoy water safely.