Ferry firm seeks to sink bids to swim across Channel

Published on Monday 1 November 2010 13:49

A SHARP rise in the popularity of cross-Channel swimming has sparked demands from a ferry company for better regulation of the sport - and calls for an outright ban from French coastguards.

DFDS, which runs a service from Dover to Dunkirk, said the rise in the number of those crossing the Channel was raising safety concerns in the shipping community.

The company wants the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) to take over the running of the swims in the world's busiest shipping lane from two organisations - the Channel Swimming and Piloting Federation (CS&PF) and the Channel Swimming Association.

On the BBC's Inside Out programme to be shown tonight, French coastguards also said they would like to see the activity banned.

But the CS&PF insisted that the activity was already well-regulated and safe, with no incidents in 140 years.

It is thought about 266 swimmers crossed the Channel in the period from late June to early October this year - a steep increase from previous years.

The French authorities banned cross-Channel attempts from starting from their coast 17 years ago - but currently allow British swimmers to undertake the 21-mile journey.

DFDS passenger director Chris Newey said: "We do not want to pour cold water on what can be a fundraising activity. However, our first and foremost priority is the health and safety and welfare of those at sea.

"We are concerned these crossings are unregulated and growing at an expedient rate. We would like to see it regulated by the MCA."

Michael Oram, honorary secretary of the CS&PF, said: "Channel swimming is being regulated and for 140 years there have been no incidents - our safety record is exemplary. Safety is first, second and third with us."

Mr Oram explained that the Coastguard is informed of the swims and that the boats that escort swimmers have trackers, which can be seen by all commercial vessels, adding that the qualification process to attempt a swim is "vigorous".

"We are working very closely with the British and French coastguards," he added.