Do I need to be a professional swimmer?
Planning takes account of your experience and preparation for the route. Discuss your open water background and required documents with BISA; selecting a distance does not automatically qualify you.
Which route is right for me?
Compare distances, start and finish points, and available formats. Share your training volume, previous experience and preferred dates. Your decision should take the whole challenge into account.
Can I swim as part of a relay?
The 12 km route is solo only. The 16 km route allows solo swims or two-person relays. The 22, 25, 37, 48 and 76 km routes allow solo swims or teams of two, three or four swimmers under the 2026.2 rules.
How does the swim window work?
You request a seven-day window. BISA checks availability, and departure is subject to operational confirmation and sea conditions.
How do I book?
Provide your route, format and preferred window. After approving the request and dates, BISA sends administrative fee instructions and the required forms. A booking requires the administrative fee to be paid in full.
Which documents are required?
The process includes a medical certificate and training certificate using BISA’s forms. Documents and the swim fee must be settled at least seven days before the window begins.
How much does a swim cost?
The quote depends on the route and format. It includes an administrative fee and a swim fee, with possible additional charges under the rules. Ask for the total and the conditions before booking.
Who pays for a relay team?
The captain pays on behalf of the team. BISA does not manage the division of fees between individual team members.
Is there an escort boat?
Ratification requires an escort boat, a registered skipper and an official observer under BISA’s rules. Confirm the crew and logistics for your attempt with the team.
Can I bring a support swimmer?
For solo swims, permission and the number of support swims depend on the route; support swimmers are not allowed on the 12 km route. They are not allowed in relays. Agree on the applicable rules in advance.
Can I wear a wetsuit?
The 2026.2 rules specify swims without wetsuits. Review the equipment, feeding and physical contact rules before your attempt.
What if sea conditions prevent the swim?
Safety decisions rest with the person commanding the operation. Rescheduling, cancellation and stopping an attempt have different conditions under the rules. Ask which provisions apply to your situation.
Can my family accompany me?
Discuss boarding, capacity, team roles and shore-based options in advance. Guests must be agreed with the operations team.
Where should I stay?
First confirm the meeting point and swim window arrangements. Then plan accommodation and transfers around BISA’s instructions.
Does finishing guarantee ratification?
Ratification depends on compliance with the rules, the required support and review of the records. Completing the distance and having a time in the spreadsheet do not replace that review.
Are the displayed times official records?
No. This site shows historical entries from BISA’s spreadsheet, including recorded times and unfinished attempts. Individual ratification and any record claims still require verification.
Can I find my name and photograph?
You can search the log by swimmer or team. Images on this site come from BISA’s archive; individual photographs will be linked to names and attempts once identification has been confirmed.
Is BISA 3 Days the same programme?
No. BISA 3 Days has its own programme and conditions. Contact the team to learn about the experience and upcoming dates.