Question 1

How do I enter Swim London?

Accepted Answer

Entries are open now via our ticketing partner Njuko: https://in.njuko.com/swim-london-2026?currentPage=select-competition. Places are limited.

Question 2

When is Swim London?

Accepted Answer

Sunday 6 September 2026, with an 11:30 start.

Question 3

What distances are available and what do they cost?

Accepted Answer

10 km Thames Swim (Brentford to Putney): £150. 5 km Landmark Swim (Barnes to Putney): £130. Both prices include finish area access, medal and refreshments.

Question 4

Where does the event start and finish?

Accepted Answer

The 10 km starts at Brentford and the 5 km starts at Barnes. Both distances finish at Putney Embankment. Final start access points will be confirmed in the participant guide.

Question 5

What are the cut-off times?

Accepted Answer

The 10 km has a 4-hour cut-off. The 5 km has a 2-hour cut-off. The Thames tide assists swimmers downstream, which is why these cut-offs are achievable for trained, capable open-water swimmers.

Question 6

Is Swim London a race?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

Will there be start waves?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Swimmers will start in waves, based partly on expected pace. Final wave timings will be shared before event day.

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

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.

Question 10

Is Swim London suitable as my first open-water swim?

Accepted Answer

No. Swim London should not be someone’s first-ever open-water swim. Please build up experience in supervised open-water sessions first.

Question 11

Are wetsuits required?

Accepted Answer

Wetsuits are optional, subject to final event-day guidance based on water temperature and conditions.

Question 12

Are tow floats required?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Tow floats are required for all swimmers.

Question 13

Do I need to prove I can complete the distance?

Accepted Answer

No formal proof is required, but everyone entering must be confident of completing their chosen distance safely and continuously.

Question 14

Are there feed stations on the route?

Accepted Answer

No. There are no feed stations on the route. Swimmers should be prepared to complete their chosen distance continuously.

Question 15

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 16

What safety cover is on the water?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 17

What happens if water quality is poor?

Accepted Answer

The event follows a water-quality and safety process. If conditions are not suitable, the organisers will take the decisions needed to protect swimmers.

Question 18

What happens if the weather or river conditions are unsafe?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 19

Can my family and friends come to watch?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Spectators can watch from points along the river and follow along the Thames Path towards Putney.

Question 20

What is at the finish?

Accepted Answer

The Swim London event village at Putney Embankment, with food and drink available to purchase, music, awards and space to celebrate.

Question 21

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 22

Will I receive a participant guide?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 23

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

Accepted Answer

No. Personal audio devices are not permitted — swimmers must be able to hear instructions from the safety team.

Question 24

Can I swim in fancy dress?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 25

What is the participant cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 26

Can I transfer my place to someone else?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Entry transfers are permitted until the confirmed transfer deadline. Details are set out in the full event terms.

Question 27

Does the mailing-list form reserve me a place?

Accepted Answer

No. The mailing-list sign-up is for event updates only. To secure a place you must book directly through Njuko: https://in.njuko.com/swim-london-2026?currentPage=select-competition.

Question 28

What is the current permission status?

Accepted Answer

Swim London successfully completed a supervised trial swim in July 2026 and is progressing through the final operational and consent process. The event remains subject to final permissions, safety sign-off and river conditions.

Question 29

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 team at toby@swim.london before entering so we can understand what support may be possible.

What you need to know.