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.

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