The rules of channel swimming for Sea Leopard are governed by the Channel Swimming Association (CSA), who administer swims, ratify them and notify the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency and the Maritime Gendarmerie when a person intends to undertake a channel swim. The CSA also define the swimwear a person may wear on a channel swim and protecting the integrity of the sport through drug testing and checking substances taken on during a channel swim.
The Observers
Sea Leopard has a team of observers ensuring swims are undertaken following the rules of the CSA.
Tracy Clark
Tracy has been involved in marathon swimming since 2013, when she undertook her own English Channel swim. Since then, she has gone on to swim the Triple Crown and has set up her own swim camp. She has also completed the Cook Straits, Straits of Gibraltor and has swam an ice mile. Tracy is the main observer on Sea Leopard and is arguably one of the best people to have on a channel swim.
Deborah Vine
Originally from Zimbabwe, Deborah swam when she was younger and came over to the UK to swim for Millfield. Deborah is a qualified swim teacher and coach, and a fellow of the Institute of Swimming, making her an expert of the particulars of the swimming stroke. Deborah has also swam around Roben Island and in multiple Channel Relays.
André Roberts
Having completed his own English Channel Swim in 2015, André went on to observe onboard Sea Leopard from 2016 onwards. He has taken part multiple English Channel relays. André teaches Chemistry outside of the swim season, a qualified swim teacher with the STA, qualified power boat driver and holds degrees in chemistry & oceanography.