Royal Docks Swim Series (RDSS)

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.

- 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

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.

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

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