Question 1

How do I enter Swim London?

Accepted Answer

Entries are not open yet. You can join the priority entry list now to be the first to hear when places are released.

Question 2

When do entries open?

Accepted Answer

Entries will open soon. Everyone on the priority entry list will be notified first, with full details on pricing, entry requirements and event-day timings shared before entries go live.

Question 3

When is Swim London?

Accepted Answer

Swim London will take place on Sunday 6 September 2026.

Question 4

What distances are available?

Accepted Answer

There will be two swim options: a 10 km swim from Brentford Marina to Putney, and a 5 km swim from Barnes to Putney.

Question 5

Where does the event start and finish?

Accepted Answer

The 10 km swim will start at Brentford Marina. The 5 km swim will start at Barnes. Both distances will finish at Putney, where the Swim London event village will be located.

Question 6

Is Swim London a race?

Accepted Answer

Swim London is a timed swim, and every swimmer will wear a timing chip. The event is designed to be fun, memorable and professionally organised, with swimmers starting in waves.

Question 7

Will there be start waves?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Swimmers will start in waves. Final wave timings will be released closer to the event.

Question 8

Is there a minimum age?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All swimmers must be aged 18 or over on event day.

Question 9

Do I need open-water swimming experience?

Accepted Answer

You should be confident swimming your chosen distance. The 10 km is best suited to swimmers who know they can complete the full distance. The 5 km is the recommended option for those looking for a shorter, fun and memorable open-water challenge.

Question 10

Is Swim London suitable for beginners?

Accepted Answer

The 5 km option is the recommended distance for less experienced swimmers who are ready for a proper open-water challenge. Swim London should not be treated as a first-ever swim, and all participants should prepare properly before event day.

Question 11

Do I need to prove I can complete the distance?

Accepted Answer

No, swimmers will not need to provide proof of previous swim completion. However, everyone entering should be confident in their ability to complete their chosen distance safely and continuously.

Question 12

Will there be cut-off times?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Cut-off times will apply, and final details will be released before entries open.

Question 13

Will wetsuits be required?

Accepted Answer

Wetsuits will be optional. Final kit guidance will be shared with swimmers before event day.

Question 14

Will tow floats be required?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Tow floats will be required for all swimmers.

Question 15

Will I receive a swim hat?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every swimmer will receive a Swim London swim hat.

Question 16

Will I receive a medal?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All finishers will receive a Swim London medal.

Question 17

Will I receive a timing chip?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every swimmer will wear a timing chip so their swim can be timed.

Question 18

Are there feed stations on the route?

Accepted Answer

No. There will not be feed stations on the route. Swimmers should be prepared to complete their chosen distance continuously.

Question 19

What happens if I need to withdraw during the swim?

Accepted Answer

If you need to withdraw, you will be able to exit early with support from the event safety team.

Question 20

What safety support will be in place?

Accepted Answer

Swim London will have a comprehensive safety team, with multiple boats on the river looking after swimmers throughout the course. Full safety information will be shared with participants before event day.

Question 21

What happens if the water quality is poor?

Accepted Answer

The event will follow a water-quality and safety process. If conditions are not suitable, the organisers will take the necessary decisions to protect swimmers. Full water-quality guidance will be shared before event day.

Question 22

What happens if the weather or river conditions are unsafe?

Accepted Answer

Swimmer safety comes first. If weather, river conditions or any other operational factors make the event unsafe, the organisers may change, delay, shorten or cancel the swim.

Question 23

Can my family and friends come to watch?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Spectators will be able to watch from points along the river and can follow swimmers down the Thames Path as they make their way towards Putney.

Question 24

Can spectators access the event village?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Swim London event village will be at the finish in Putney, with food and drinks, music, toilets, showers, bag collection and award ceremonies.

Question 25

Can my family come with me to the start?

Accepted Answer

Supporters may travel with swimmers to the start area, but access to secure participant zones may be restricted to swimmers and event staff only. Final start-area guidance will be shared before event day.

Question 26

Will people be able to track me during the swim?

Accepted Answer

Final tracking and results details will be confirmed closer to the event.

Question 27

Will there be bag drop?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Bag collection will be available at the finish event village in Putney. Full bag-drop instructions will be shared in the participant guide.

Question 28

Will there be changing facilities, toilets and showers?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Toilets and showers will be available at the finish event village. Final facilities information will be shared before event day.

Question 29

Will there be food and drink at the finish?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The event village at Putney will include food and drinks, music and space to enjoy the atmosphere after the swim.

Question 30

Will there be awards?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Award ceremonies will take place at the event village. Full award details will be confirmed closer to the event.

Question 31

Will I receive a participant guide?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All swimmers will receive a participant guide before event day with key information on arrival, start times, kit, safety, the route, cut-offs and what to expect at the finish.

Question 32

Can I wear headphones or listen to music during the swim?

Accepted Answer

No. Personal audio devices will not be allowed during the swim, as swimmers must be able to hear instructions from the safety team.

Question 33

Can I swim in fancy dress?

Accepted Answer

Fancy dress is not recommended. Any outfit or costume must not affect your ability to swim safely or create risk for other swimmers. The event safety team will have final say on what is permitted.

Question 34

What if I can no longer take part?

Accepted Answer

The final refund, transfer and deferral policy will be confirmed before entries open. Please read the entry terms carefully before booking your place.

Question 35

Will the event be accessible for swimmers with disabilities?

Accepted Answer

We want Swim London to be as inclusive as possible while maintaining a safe river-swimming environment. Swimmers with specific access requirements should contact the event team before entering so we can understand what support may be possible.

Question 36

Will event photos be available?

Accepted Answer

Final photography details will be confirmed closer to the event.

Question 37

What should I do if my result is missing or incorrect?

Accepted Answer

Final results information will be shared after the event, including how to report any timing queries.

Question 38

What should I do if I lose something at the event?

Accepted Answer

Lost property information will be provided in the participant guide and at the event village.

What you need to know.