Royal Docks Swim Series (RDSS)
LO
From Love Open Water
Friday 6th – Sunday 8th June 2025
Past event
London
£35.00–£45.00 · 3 races
1km, 5km
Event summary
Get ready for an exhilarating experience at the Royal Docks Swim Series (RDSS), proudly organized by Love Open Water! This thrilling open water swimming event takes place from Friday, June 6th to Sunday, June 8th, 2025, in the vibrant city of London. Swim enthusiasts of all levels are invited to challenge themselves across three days filled with excitement and camaraderie. Participants can choose from three fantastic distances: a 1k swim, a 3k swim, or a 5k swim. Take on all three distances to earn a coveted complete series medal, celebrating your incredible achievement!
The Royal Docks Swim Series is designed for everyone, whether you're a competitive swimmer or prefer a more leisurely pace. With three waves available for each event—relaxed, medium, and fast—you can select the perfect fit for your swimming style. All strokes are welcome, except backstroke, so whether you prefer front crawl, breaststroke, side stroke, or even the doggy paddle, come and enjoy the water! Wetsuits are optional, allowing you to swim in skins if that's your preference. Join a passionate community of swimmers and experience the thrill of open water at RDSS. Don't forget, you must be a NOWCA
The Royal Docks Swim Series is designed for everyone, whether you're a competitive swimmer or prefer a more leisurely pace. With three waves available for each event—relaxed, medium, and fast—you can select the perfect fit for your swimming style. All strokes are welcome, except backstroke, so whether you prefer front crawl, breaststroke, side stroke, or even the doggy paddle, come and enjoy the water! Wetsuits are optional, allowing you to swim in skins if that's your preference. Join a passionate community of swimmers and experience the thrill of open water at RDSS. Don't forget, you must be a NOWCA
Royal Docks Swim Series (RDSS)
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Races
-
RD1 - 1k
Entries closedFriday 6th Jun 2025 (18:00)
£35.00
-
RD3 - 3k
Entries closedSaturday 7th Jun 2025 (12:00)
£40.00
-
RD5 - 5k
Entries closedSunday 8th Jun 2025 (10:00)
£45.00
Event information
There is a 1km course for all distances.
1km = 1 loop
3km = 3 loops
5km = 5 loops
Lifeguards and safety teams will be on water and land side for the duration of the event.
1km = 1 loop
3km = 3 loops
5km = 5 loops
Lifeguards and safety teams will be on water and land side for the duration of the event.
- Entry to your chosen RDSS events.
- Safety for the duration of the event – safety boats, kayaks, and paddle boarders in the water.
- Secure bag drop
- Official RDSS swim cap
- Feed station access for BYO feed/hydration
- Post swim refuel – snacks and hydration
- Finisher’s medal
- Safety for the duration of the event – safety boats, kayaks, and paddle boarders in the water.
- Secure bag drop
- Official RDSS swim cap
- Feed station access for BYO feed/hydration
- Post swim refuel – snacks and hydration
- Finisher’s medal
Parking is very limited in the area. You can check the JustPark app for availability and parking rates.
We recommend using public transport where possible.
We recommend using public transport where possible.
Love Open Water London Royal Docks
Royal Docks
London
E16 1AH
(opposite City Hall)
Royal Docks
London
E16 1AH
(opposite City Hall)
The venue is very accessible via public transport.
The nearest DLR station is ROYAL VICTORIA and then less than 5 minutes walk to the venue.
The IFS Cloud cable car (travelling from North Greenwich) is also within 5 minutes walk to the venue.
Local buses also stop within walking distance to the venue.
Please check the TfL website to help plan your travel.
The nearest DLR station is ROYAL VICTORIA and then less than 5 minutes walk to the venue.
The IFS Cloud cable car (travelling from North Greenwich) is also within 5 minutes walk to the venue.
Local buses also stop within walking distance to the venue.
Please check the TfL website to help plan your travel.
NOWCA Membership
The RDSS is a NOWCA member event. All swimmers must have a current NOWCA membership on the day of the event. NOWCA membership is £15 per year and gives you access to over 40 NOWCA affiliated venues throughout the UK along with discounts on courses, access to events, insurance cover (NOWCA Protect) as well as a host of other member benefits via the NOWCA Perks program.
NOWCA Safety Wristband
Every participant in the rdss must wear their NOWCA wristband during the swim. If you are a new NOWCA member, you can select where to collect your wristband upon registering with NOWCA and paying the annual fee. If you wish to collect your wristband when you arrive at the event, please choose LOVE OPEN WATER LONDON ROYAL DOCKS as your collection venue when you register. Your wristband will then be available to pick up at the registration tent (or any NOWCA affiliated venue if you wish to swim before the event).
If you have previously set up a NOWCA profile but have not yet paid the annual membership fee (and collected a band), you can change your collection venue by following the instructions on the NOWCA Support Centre.
The RDSS is a NOWCA member event. All swimmers must have a current NOWCA membership on the day of the event. NOWCA membership is £15 per year and gives you access to over 40 NOWCA affiliated venues throughout the UK along with discounts on courses, access to events, insurance cover (NOWCA Protect) as well as a host of other member benefits via the NOWCA Perks program.
NOWCA Safety Wristband
Every participant in the rdss must wear their NOWCA wristband during the swim. If you are a new NOWCA member, you can select where to collect your wristband upon registering with NOWCA and paying the annual fee. If you wish to collect your wristband when you arrive at the event, please choose LOVE OPEN WATER LONDON ROYAL DOCKS as your collection venue when you register. Your wristband will then be available to pick up at the registration tent (or any NOWCA affiliated venue if you wish to swim before the event).
If you have previously set up a NOWCA profile but have not yet paid the annual membership fee (and collected a band), you can change your collection venue by following the instructions on the NOWCA Support Centre.
Often mistaken as being a part of the Thames River, the water at the London Royal Docks (where the RDSS takes place) is fed from the Thames Estuary. Water is impounded via an impound station on a controlled basis to facilitate boat movements and maintain water levels in the dock. Regular water testing is undertaken throughout the year and has consistently rated EXCELLENT by bathing standards.
Water testing at London’s Royal Docks is carried out by Socotec on behalf of RoDMA, the Royal Docks Management Authority. They test for E.Coli and Intestinal Enterococci on a monthly basis at various locations around the docks
Water testing at London’s Royal Docks is carried out by Socotec on behalf of RoDMA, the Royal Docks Management Authority. They test for E.Coli and Intestinal Enterococci on a monthly basis at various locations around the docks
Race Kit
Caps: Each swimmer will receive an official RDSS swim cap at the event registration. This cap must be worn during the event.
Timing band: These will be collected at registration and must be worn during the event.
Feed Stations
There will be a feed station on the course that will be accessible for participants in all distances, however, swimmers must bring their own feed and hydration.
Tow Floats
All participants must swim with a tow float in all distances.
Swimmers must use their own tow floats and these must be brightly coloured!
Wetsuits
Wetsuits are optional at the RDSS except for any swimmer aged between 12-16 on the day of the event. Participants aged between 12-16 must wear a full length wetsuit.
Participants can choose their category (wetsuit or non-wetsuit) upon entry. Water temperatures will be monitored in the lead up to the event and swimmers may change their category by using the online registration system, prior to the event.
Should the water temperature drop below 15°C on the morning of the event, wetsuits will be compulsory for ALL swimmers unless a Skins Pass Application has been completed, where the swimmer will be asked to submit evidence of cold water swimming experience. This form will be issued in the week before the event, only if necessary.
Wetsuits will not be allowed should the water temperature rise above 24°C on the morning of the event. This includes shortie wetsuits and neoprene swim shorts / vests.
Event facilities
Toilets
Alfresco changing – grass area
Secure bag drop facility
Refuel post-swim – snacks and hydration
Cafes, restaurants and hotels close by
Caps: Each swimmer will receive an official RDSS swim cap at the event registration. This cap must be worn during the event.
Timing band: These will be collected at registration and must be worn during the event.
Feed Stations
There will be a feed station on the course that will be accessible for participants in all distances, however, swimmers must bring their own feed and hydration.
Tow Floats
All participants must swim with a tow float in all distances.
Swimmers must use their own tow floats and these must be brightly coloured!
Wetsuits
Wetsuits are optional at the RDSS except for any swimmer aged between 12-16 on the day of the event. Participants aged between 12-16 must wear a full length wetsuit.
Participants can choose their category (wetsuit or non-wetsuit) upon entry. Water temperatures will be monitored in the lead up to the event and swimmers may change their category by using the online registration system, prior to the event.
Should the water temperature drop below 15°C on the morning of the event, wetsuits will be compulsory for ALL swimmers unless a Skins Pass Application has been completed, where the swimmer will be asked to submit evidence of cold water swimming experience. This form will be issued in the week before the event, only if necessary.
Wetsuits will not be allowed should the water temperature rise above 24°C on the morning of the event. This includes shortie wetsuits and neoprene swim shorts / vests.
Event facilities
Toilets
Alfresco changing – grass area
Secure bag drop facility
Refuel post-swim – snacks and hydration
Cafes, restaurants and hotels close by
Organiser's description
Get ready to dive into an unforgettable adventure across 3 exciting days of open water swimming! Whether you're a seasoned swimmer or just looking to challenge yourself, the Royal Docks Swim Series (RDSS) offers a unique opportunity to test your endurance and conquer different distances:
RD1: 1k swim
RD3: 3k swim
RD5: 5k swim
Take part in all 3 distances over the 3 days to earn the complete series medal to commemorate your incredible achievement.
This event is not just for racers, if you prefer to swim at a more leisurely pace, then it's a wonderful way to take part in a local event that is fun and friendly. There will be three waves for each event, relaxed, medium and fast so please choose which wave suits you best.
Except backstroke, all other swim styles are acceptable - front crawl, breast stroke, side stroke, or even the doggy-paddle!
Wetsuits are optional, so you are welcome to swim in skins if that is your preference.
This is your chance to push your limits, experience the thrill of open water, and join a community of passionate swimmers in an event like no other.
You MUST be a NOWCA member to take part in the RDSS. For full event details and how to become a NOWCA member, please visit the website: https://nowca.org/become-a-member-dev/
All participants will receive an official swim cap, which must be worn during the each event, and an RDSS participation medal. There will also be a post-swim drink and snack for all participants.
Entering multiple distances will automatically discount your entry price, please note that the discount is automatically applied at Step 2 of the process, and not when you intially select the distances you are entering in Step 1.
For full event details and how to become a NOWCA member, please visit the website: lovesportsevents.co.uk
For updates and announcements, join the NOWCA Wild group: RDSS
The NOWCA Wild app is free to download for iOS and Android: nowcawild.co.uk
RD1: 1k swim
RD3: 3k swim
RD5: 5k swim
Take part in all 3 distances over the 3 days to earn the complete series medal to commemorate your incredible achievement.
This event is not just for racers, if you prefer to swim at a more leisurely pace, then it's a wonderful way to take part in a local event that is fun and friendly. There will be three waves for each event, relaxed, medium and fast so please choose which wave suits you best.
Except backstroke, all other swim styles are acceptable - front crawl, breast stroke, side stroke, or even the doggy-paddle!
Wetsuits are optional, so you are welcome to swim in skins if that is your preference.
This is your chance to push your limits, experience the thrill of open water, and join a community of passionate swimmers in an event like no other.
You MUST be a NOWCA member to take part in the RDSS. For full event details and how to become a NOWCA member, please visit the website: https://nowca.org/become-a-member-dev/
All participants will receive an official swim cap, which must be worn during the each event, and an RDSS participation medal. There will also be a post-swim drink and snack for all participants.
Entering multiple distances will automatically discount your entry price, please note that the discount is automatically applied at Step 2 of the process, and not when you intially select the distances you are entering in Step 1.
For full event details and how to become a NOWCA member, please visit the website: lovesportsevents.co.uk
For updates and announcements, join the NOWCA Wild group: RDSS
The NOWCA Wild app is free to download for iOS and Android: nowcawild.co.uk
Location
The Oiler Bar, London, E16 1SJ, United Kingdom
Royal Docks Swim Series (RDSS)
LO
Love Open Water
LOVE OPEN WATER run safe open water swimming venues at London Royal Docks, Canary Wharf, Nottingham, and Leeds. Open all year round and all sessions are lifeguarded. We are proud to be part of the NOWCA Venue Network.
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