Swim London 2026

Swim London is a tide-assisted open-water swimming event on the River Thames. Participants can choose between a 10 km swim from Brentford to Putney Embankment or a 5 km swim from Barnes to Putney Embankment. Both swims are downstream, utilizing the river's current. The event emphasizes professional standards and advocates for cleaner urban waterways. The 10 km distance is for experienced open-water swimmers, while the 5 km is considered more accessible but still requires open-water confidence. Tow floats are mandatory, and wetsuits are optional depending on water temperature.