Some Channel Swimmers Have Pacemakers
Sometimes a swim buddy truly lives up to the name.A pacemaker (or pace swimmer) is an individual who swims alongside or near a channel swimmer or marathon swimmer to protect, pace or accompany the swimmer.
There are specific rules that apply to the number, time and time of duration for the pacemakers by the channel swimming organizations and governing bodies.
For example, a pacemaker is permitted only on solo swims in the English Channel by the Channel Swimming Association at the discretion of the pilot. Only one pacemaker is allowed in the water at one time. Pacemakers are not permitted to enter the water until the swim is at least 2 hours underway. Pacemakers are permitted to swim for up to one hour only and can only re-enter the water until another hour has passed.
Photo shows a pace swimmer escorted by the Outrider in the Catalina Channel.
Copyright © 2011 by Open Water Source
Southern California native, born 1962, is the creator of the WOWSA Awards, Oceans Seven, Openwaterpedia, Citrus Corps, World Open Water Swimming Association, Daily News of Open Water Swimming, Global Open Water Swimming Conference. He is Chief Executive Officer of KAATSU Global and KAATSU Research Institute. Inductee in the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame (Honor Swimmer, Class of 2001) and Ice Swimming Hall of Fame (Honor Contributor - Media, Class of 2019), recipient of the International Swimming Hall of Fame's Poseidon Award (2016), International Swimming Hall of Fame's Irving Davids-Captain Roger Wheeler Memorial Award (2010), USA Swimming's Glen S. Hummer Award (2007, 2010) and Harvard University's John B. Imrie Award (1984). Served on the FINA Technical Open Water Swimming Committee and as Technical Delegate with the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games, and 9-time USA Swimming coaching staff.
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