FAQs
What you need to know.
Answers to common questions about Swim London. The inaugural event took place on Sunday 6 September 2026 — results are published and details for the next edition will follow.
How do I enter Swim London?
The inaugural Swim London took place on Sunday 6 September 2026 and entries are closed. Swim London returns in 2027 — join the priority list to hear about the date and entry launch first.
When is the next Swim London?
Swim London returns in 2027. No date has been announced yet. Priority list members will be told first.
When was the inaugural Swim London?
Sunday 6 September 2026. The first 10 km wave left Brentford at 11:15 and the first 5 km wave left Barnes at 12:10, with the first swimmers finishing at Putney Embankment between 13:00 and 14:00.
How were waves organised in 2026?
Waves started at 11:15, 11:30 and 11:40 for the 10 km, and 12:10, 12:20 and 12:30 for the 5 km, organised by the estimated swim time given at registration. Wave arrangements for 2027 will be published with the event details.
Where did registration happen on race day in 2026?
10 km swimmers registered at the Brentford Liquidity Sculpture (TW8 0BT) from 09:30, with bag drop from 10:00 and the safety briefing at 11:00. 5 km swimmers registered at Emmanuel School Boat Club, Barnes, from 10:45, with bag drop from 11:15 and the safety briefing at 12:00.
What happens to my bag?
Bag drop at both starts is transported to the finish at Putney Embankment, where you collect it after your swim.
What distances are available and what do they cost?
Swim London offers two distances: the 10 km Thames Swim (Brentford to Putney) and the 5 km Landmark Swim (Barnes to Putney). In 2026 these were £150 and £130, including finish area access, medal and refreshments. 2027 pricing will be confirmed with the entry launch.
Where does the event start and finish?
The 10 km starts at Brentford and the 5 km at Barnes. Both distances finish at Putney Embankment, outside Imperial Boathouse. In 2026 the first waves left at 11:15 and 12:10, with the first swimmers finishing between 13:00 and 14:00.
Is Swim London a race?
It is a timed swim, and every swimmer will wear a timing chip. Swimmers start in waves and the event is designed to be well-organised, memorable and fun.
Will there be start waves?
Yes. Six waves start across the day, organised by the estimated swim time given at registration, with the slowest swimmers starting first. Your wave is identified by your wristband colour and confirmed by email in the week of the event.
Is there a minimum age?
Yes. All swimmers must be aged 18 or over on event day.
Do I need open-water swimming experience?
Yes. Swim London is for capable open-water swimmers who can complete their chosen distance continuously. The 10 km is suited to experienced distance swimmers. The 5 km is the more accessible option, but still requires proper preparation and open-water confidence.
Is Swim London suitable as my first open-water swim?
No. Swim London should not be someone’s first-ever open-water swim. Please build up experience in supervised open-water sessions first.
Are wetsuits required?
Wetsuits are optional, subject to final event-day guidance based on water temperature and conditions.
Are tow floats required?
Yes. Tow floats are required for all swimmers.
Do I need to prove I can complete the distance?
No formal proof is required, but everyone entering must be confident of completing their chosen distance safely and continuously.
Are there feed stations on the route?
No. There are no feed stations on the route. Swimmers should be prepared to complete their chosen distance continuously.
What happens if I need to withdraw during the swim?
If you need to withdraw, you will be able to exit early with support from the event safety team.
What safety cover is on the water?
Swim London operates with a professional swim-safety team and multiple safety boats on the river throughout the course. Full participant safety information is included in the participant guide.
What happens if water quality is poor?
The event follows a water-quality and safety process. If conditions are not suitable, the organisers will take the decisions needed to protect swimmers.
What happens if the weather or river conditions are unsafe?
Swimmer safety comes first. If conditions make the event unsafe, the organisers may change, delay, shorten or cancel the swim. Please review the full event terms for the cancellation arrangements.
Can my family and friends come to watch?
Yes. Spectators can watch from points along the river and follow along the Thames Path towards Putney.
What is at the finish?
The Swim London event village at Putney Embankment, outside Imperial Boathouse, with food and drink available to purchase, music, awards and space to celebrate.
Will people be able to track me during the swim?
Every swimmer wears a timing chip and official results are published by our timing partner after the event. The 2026 results are on the results page.
Will I receive a participant guide?
Yes. All registered swimmers will receive a participant guide before event day covering arrival, start times, kit, safety, the route and what to expect at the finish.
Can I wear headphones or listen to music during the swim?
No. Personal audio devices are not permitted — swimmers must be able to hear instructions from the safety team.
Can I swim in fancy dress?
Fancy dress is not recommended. Anything worn must not affect your ability to swim safely or create risk for others. The event safety team has final say on what is permitted.
What is the participant cancellation policy?
You may cancel your entry within 14 days of purchase and receive a full refund. After this period, entries are non-refundable if you can no longer take part. You may transfer your place to another swimmer until the published transfer deadline. Please review the full event terms before booking.
Can I transfer my place to someone else?
Yes. Entry transfers are permitted until the confirmed transfer deadline. Details are set out in the full event terms.
Does the mailing-list form reserve me a place?
No. The priority list is for updates only and does not reserve an entry. Members hear first when the 2027 date and entries are announced.
Has Swim London actually taken place?
Yes. After a supervised trial swim in July 2026, the inaugural Swim London took place on Sunday 6 September 2026, with swimmers completing 10 km from Brentford and 5 km from Barnes to Putney. Every edition remains subject to permissions, safety sign-off and river conditions.
Will the event be accessible for swimmers with disabilities?
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 team at toby@swim.london before entering so we can understand what support may be possible.