Race day
Everything you need for Sunday.
Sunday 6 September 2026. Wave times, start venues, registration and bag drop, what to bring and the finish at Putney Embankment, outside Imperial Boathouse.
Event status
Where things stand right now.
This is the single source of truth for race weekend. We update it here first.
Event status
Event proceeding
Swim London is happening - Sunday 6 September 2026 — Sunday 6 September 2026.
Final event-day decisions remain subject to water quality, weather and river conditions. Participants will be contacted directly if there are any material changes.
Last updated 4 September 2026
Water quality
Monitoring underway
Water quality and river conditions are being monitored throughout race weekend. Swim London will not proceed if conditions are considered unsafe. A final pre-event review will take place ahead of Sunday's swim.
Last updated 4 September 2026
Wave times
Your wave and wristband colour.
Six waves start across the day. Find your wristband colour below — it is your wave, not your swim cap.
- 10 kmPredicted2:15 – 3:30Wave 1Purple wristband11:15
- 10 kmPredicted1:45 – 2:15Wave 2Blue wristband11:30
- 10 kmPredicted1:00 – 1:45Wave 3Yellow wristband11:40
- 5 kmPredicted2:15 – 3:30Wave 4Green wristband12:10
- 5 kmPredicted1:45 – 2:30Wave 5Orange wristband12:20
- 5 kmPredicted1:00 – 1:45Wave 6Red wristband12:30
Waves are organised by the estimated swim time given at registration, with the slowest swimmers starting first and the fastest starting last. Your wave and wristband colour are confirmed by email in the week of the event. Please arrive 60 minutes before your start time.
Start venues
Where to go, and when.
Two starts, two sets of timings. Please arrive in good time — registration closes before the safety briefing.
10 km start
Brentford → Putney
Getting there
- Brentford Station — approximately a 14-minute walk
- Kew Bridge Station — approximately a 19-minute walk
- Boston Manor Underground Station (Piccadilly line) — approximately a 34-minute walk
Timings
- 09:30Registration opens
- 10:00Bag drop opens
- 11:00Safety briefing for all waves
- 11:15Race start, Wave 1
5 km start
Barnes → Putney
Getting there
- Barnes Bridge Station — approximately a 5-minute walk
- Chiswick Station — approximately a 12-minute walk
- Putney Bridge Station (District line) — approximately a 25-minute walk
- Putney Station (SWR) — approximately a 25-minute walk
Timings
- 10:45Registration opens
- 11:15Bag drop opens
- 12:00Safety briefing for all waves
- 12:10Race start, Wave 4
Later on race day
- 14:30Prize presentation at the finish
- 15:30Event village closes
There is no event-organised parking at either start. If you travel by car, allow plenty of time to find parking nearby and check local restrictions before travelling.
What to bring
Kit list and event-day rules.
Check this before you leave home. Swimmers without a tow float cannot start.
Compulsory kit
- Tow float (no swimmer may start without one)
- Swim London swim cap, issued at registration
- Timing chip, issued at registration
- Photo ID for registration
Strongly recommended
- Wetsuit — optional, subject to event-day guidance
- Goggles, plus a spare pair
- Warm layers, hat and a towel for after the swim
- Anti-chafe cream and flip-flops or old trainers
Not permitted
- Headphones or personal audio devices
- Swimming without a tow float
- Fins, paddles or propulsion aids
- Entering the water outside the marshalled start
The finish
Putney Embankment, outside Imperial Boathouse.
First swimmers are expected between 13:00–14:00. Bag drop from both starts is transported to the finish.
Exit the water where marshals direct you, keep moving up the slipway and collect your medal, timing-chip return and bag. The event village, food, music and the prize presentation are all on the Embankment.
First finishers
13:00–14:00
Location
Putney Embankment, SW15
Bag drop
Transported from both starts to the finish
Prizes
Presentation at 14:30 at the event village
On-water safety
If you need help, raise an arm.
Safety boats, kayaks and paddleboards cover the full course. Raise one arm and hold still — the nearest craft will come to you. You can hold onto a kayak or board at any point without being withdrawn from the swim.
- Attend the safety briefing at your start — it is compulsory.
- Swim inside the marked course and follow marshal instructions at all times.
- The Thames is a working, tidal river; give way to any event or river craft.
- If you withdraw, tell a safety crew member so you are accounted for.
- Head straight to the recovery area at the finish and get warm layers on quickly.