SWIMMING MEDICALS

The medical is a requirement for many long distance endurance events including the English Channel solo and relays, and also for very cold water events.

The purpose is to ensure that there is no obvious serious risk to the swimmer’s health during the event. 

More widely, it also provides an assurance to the swimmers’ family, training group, support crew, swimming team, pilot and swimming organisation.

Most medicals are straight forward.

The main reason they will occasionally not be signed off on the day is a high blood pressure reading. Bringing readings from home is acceptable and may well make the process easier.

For very cold water swimmers, the ECG provides some assurance that their risk of a heart event is low. This is not normally needed for long distance swimmers unless there are risk factors or a history suggesting that more tests are needed.

The medical also provides an opportunity to address individual medical issues related to swimming, and to discuss risks and possible solutions. 

Many swimmers will use their own GP for this service though you can use any medical doctor. This is not generally something that is offered as part of their NHS responsibilities and as such is considered a private appointment and you are likely to face a charge for this service. You may well also have to wait for an appointment so factor this into your planning.

Some people find that their GP does not choose to perform these services. If this is the case a private GP is also an option.

Mig is a a long distance swimmer and GP and has developed an interest in providing swimming medicals, and would be happy to be contacted by swimmers if you need this service in the coming year.

Mig practices in Cambridgeshire. He can provide the service during working hours, evenings and at weekends, and will consider travelling eg. for groups or relay teams. DCT arranges clinics at the beginning of each year, details of which can be found on the booking system.

He has additional sports medicals insurance. 

For swimmers contacting him and quoting DCT the fees are £77.  If you also need an ECG this would be an additional £38.

Dr. Mig Arbide

GMC 4106412

email: marbide79@gmail.com

Tel: 07549 931958

There are some clinics running from January to March (use booking system below), alternatively contact me or Mig for further information.

Swimming medicals 2025 – Standard Operating Procedure

Clinics in collaboration with Dover Channel Training

Dr Miguel Arbide /Ms Emma France

Version 9

27/10/24

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 eight years.

Sometimes there are training doctors or assistants at the clinic.

Things to bring 

The medical form(s), with the questionnaire section completed.

A 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.

Covid-19/flu

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

ECGs (electrocardiograms)

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 £38 (2025). (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 ( 2024). 

Payment

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

The fee for the medical is £77 (2025) (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.

Queries and follow up

I can be contacted by

email on marbide79@gmail.com ( first choice)

or text to 07549931958

Feel free to contact me during this season, regarding any medical issues related to swimming that you think I could assist you with.

I am also happy to transfer the medical information to another swim form within the same season at no extra cost.

Keep well and see you soon,

Mig