Canary Wharf has opened its first open water swimming venue as London heats up for summer, residents, visitors and workers can take a dip the Middle Dock waters and enjoy views of the iconic One Canada Square and Newfoundland whilst swimming.
Open until the end of September, the initiative has launched in partnership with established swimming operator, Love Open Water, and the Canal & River Trust who are celebrating 10 years of bringing the UK’s waterways to life. With a 600 metre course to explore, the new spot is expected to be used by swimmers of all levels, from triathlon trainers to those just starting to dip their toes into the world of open water swimming, which is now one of the fastest growing activities in the UK.
Supported by NOWCA, the UK’s largest network of safe open water venues, Love Open Water ensure that the water at Canary Wharf undergoes comprehensive testing twice a month to meet an ‘Excellent’ rating level according to EU Bathing Standards criteria, meaning it is clean and safe to swim in. Every session is lifeguarded and can be enjoyed by all abilities and skill levels over the age of 10.
To access the Middle Dock, would-be swimmers should access the pontoon across from Humble Grape on Mackenzie Walk, where they will find changing huts to get ready ahead of their swim.
To enjoy the new spot, swimmers just need to purchase a NOWCA membership for £15.00 per year – granting them access to over 40 NOWCA affiliated UK locations – with sessions running throughout the week including weekends. Open water swimming sessions are charged at £8 per three- four hour session, or you can take part in the free NOWCA Swim event that will be offered regularly. Members can also benefit from the ACTiO app which allows swimmers to book and pay online, check their swim stats and update emergency contacts and medical information.
Ros Daniels, Canal & River Trust Regional Director for London & South East said:
“We are pleased to be working in partnership with Canary Wharf Group to licence an area of London Docklands where people can experience open water swimming safely under the supervision of lifeguards and where the water quality will be routinely tested.
“Unless taking part in a supervised event with all the safety measures in place, our advice is to stay out of the water. The risks of going in unsupervised are very real – the water can be far colder than expected, even on the hottest of days, and objects submerged below the surface can present a very real risk.”
Shobi Khan, CEO, Canary Wharf Group, said: “Canary Wharf has over 20 acres of parks, gardens and squares and a key objective is to open up the water for our residents, visitors and business customers to reconnect with nature. We launched electric GoBoat London here last year and we are hosting the paddleboard APP World Tour in August. This is an exciting time for Canary Wharf with incredible events, arts exhibitions and new restaurant openings planned for this Summer including Festival14 from 21st – 24th July.”
