Why is a medical important?

Swimming organisations ask that in the doctor’s opinion

the swimmer suffers from no health condition which would make it inadvisable or prevent for him/her to attempting a swim.

Some require ECGs (heart traces) as a further check, particularly those swims that take place in very cold water.

The medical is designed to protect the swimmer, as well as the team, the pilot and crew, and more widely the organising teams and official swimming organisations as well as the sport. The bottom line is to attempt to avoid severe injury or death. English Channel medicals were introduced after a coroner’s inquest.

It is also an opportunity to provide individual advice and plan ahead if needed , for example if the swimmer has a disability. There are also specific medical issues related to open water swimming.

If your medical circumstances change after the medical is signed off, it is your responsibility to discuss that with the doctor that signed the medical.

Background

Open water swimming medicals are a requirement for a variety of organised events including English Channel relays and solo swims.

As in previous years, we have provided medical appointments early in the year to help with your organisation and planning of the season.

I am registered in the UK as a GP (General Medical Council number 4106412), now working in specialist areas including swimming medicals for the last seven years.

Sometimes there are training doctors or assistants at the clinic.

What to bring to the medical?

• The form(s) with the questionnaire section completed

• Urine sample in a dishwasher clean jar

• A blood pressure reading from home is very helpful as it reduces the chances of ‘white coat hypertension’, but I can take it too.

• Height and weight

Covid-19/flu

Please consider rescheduling the appointment if you have Covid or flu, particularly if you are unwell. If that’s not possible then wear a mask.

What if I need an ECG?

An ECG is not a standard part of the medical for the English Channel. I will offer those by prior arrangement as screening or if required for a different event eg. Ice miles. The current cost of an ECG is £35 (2024). (Private clinics will usually charge considerably more).

If after the examination I find that an ECG is necessary, for example if your pulse is quite irregular, I will try to fit you in the same day, or offer a further appointment in my home office or you can arrange it via your GP.

I normally interpret and sign the ECG, but if in doubt I can offer a senior consultant sports cardiologist ECG report for £30 (2023).

Payment

Once the medical is completed please make a transfer to my account.

The fee for the medical is £75 (2024) (Transfer to my business account straight after the medical is completed please).

I will provide you with the bank details during the medical, that is the preferred option.

Cash is acceptable.

What if I need swimming event forms filled in during the medical or later in the season?

That is fine, and we can do that at no extra charge.

What if I need swimming medical advice during the season or need extra tests before the medical is signed off?

You can contact me for free confidential swimming medical advice during the whole swimming season after your medical appointment.

If after the medical you need extra tests such as a heart scan or more blood pressure checks, we will support you in liaising with your GP or doing the necessary private referrals and provide advice until the medical is signed off at no additional cost.

What specific swimming conditions can I advice you about?

I can discuss any other conditions that you may have or be concerned about.

Here are some important conditions and issues related to open water swimming that are worth considering.

SIPE – Swimming Induced Pulmonary oedema see reference: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40798-018-0158-8

Hypothermia – acclimatise and learn the symptoms at different stages and when to get out/warm up: https://selkieswim.com/blogs/news/not-medical-advice-just-some-things-to-think-about-nick-murch-teamselkie

Ear plugs- Not essential but recommended to reduce risk of Surfers ear, Swimmers ear, dizziness and keeping ears warmer 

Sun protection – Recommended to reduce risk of sun damage and skin cancer (very high UVA/B protection and water resistant)

Lubrication for long swims – recommended to reduce chafing e.g. Vaseline

Motion sickness – advised for swims involving being on a boat e.g. Channel relays or when motion sickness in the water is a possibility – first line Cinnarazine (e.g. Stugeron), second line Hyoscine (e.g. Kwells or Scopoderm patch). They can be combined if needed. Discuss with the pharmacist if you are on any other medication or have any medical conditions

Night swimming – air temperature is lower, goggles must be clear, suitable lights are needed in open water

Swimmers shoulder – a common condition, consider a physiotherapy or swim coach assessment 

COVID -19 – return to training - https://www.doverchanneltraining.com/covid-19-return