The fastest-growing mass participation sport in the UK has come to London’s Royal Docks, offering the opportunity for people to swim in one of the most scenic open water venues in the world.
The Royal Docks Management Authority in association with London Royal Docks OWS has created a completely safe environment for both causal and competitive open-water swimming. Four sessions will run each week; Wednesday 4-8pm, Thursday 6-9.30am, Friday 4-8pm, and Sunday 7-10am.
Onsite safety, including a safety tagging system for each swimmer, is in place ensuring a safe and enjoyable swim, with water tested fortnightly. Hot and cold food, wetsuits and showers, plus qualified coaching are all available onsite, if required.
Casual swimming is offered in a separate marked area for those who want to try open water swimming for the first time, or simply enjoy swimming without the pressure of training or competing. Courses for complete beginners are available, starting at level 1 through to level 3.
For competitive training, whether for a triathlon or a ‘Great Swim’, the open space has three standard race distances marked; 400 meters – the distance used in the Super Sprint triathlons, 750 meters – set for Sprint distance triathlons and 1500 meters – the course used for Olympic Triathlons.
Swim Distances can be timed and logged with the NOWCA safety wristbands, which all swimmers are required to wear. Elite swimming and triathlon coaches working with London Royal Docks OWS are on-hand to help competitive swimmers take their performances to the next level.
Group training sessions are also available in regular slots each week.
Children are permitted to swim from 6-16yrs – they will be assessed, must swim with a parent or guardian, must be able to swim 200m without stopping and must wear a wetsuit and a tow float (loaned by NOWCA) and will only be able to swim within a set course.
For further information on all courses and exactly what is available, visit the Love Open Water website.
