ROYAL DOCKS SWIM SERIES (RDSS)

* 2026 EVENT CANCELLED *

Register your interest for 2027

Get ready for London’s hottest open water swim event at the stunning Royal Docks!

The Royal Docks Swim Series (RDSS) is a two-day celebration of swimming, fitness, and fun. Hosted at our London Royal Docks venue, it’s perfect for everyone from competitive racers to first-timers.

Choose your challenge across three distances and swim in one of our three waves: Relaxed, Medium, or Fast – all waves start together for an electric mass-start atmosphere! The course is a scenic 1k with plenty of space to swim at your own pace.

Training for London’s iconic Dock2Dock® swim event? The RDSS is the perfect warm-up, letting you experience the same waters in a friendly, supportive environment.

Whether you prefer wetsuit or skins, the choice is yours. Just bring your swim spirit!

Important: You must be a NOWCA member to participate – so make sure you’re signed up to join the excitement!

Photo: @bernie.sui (Instagram)

Distances & prices

There are three core distances in the swim series – 1k, 3k and 5k. You may enter multiple events, each hosted on separate days which means you will have ample rest time. Take part in all 3 distances to get the RDSS Trifecta and collect the complete series medal to commemorate your incredible achievement.

* An additional booking fee applies to each ticket.

* Only one discount can be used per ticket.

What’s included?

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

1km

(1 loop of 1km course)

Day one

£37

3km

(3 loops of 1km course)

Day one

£42

5km

(5 loops of 1km course)

Day two

£47

RDSS TRIFECTA
(10% discount)

Swim all 3 distances to collect the full set of RDSS medals

Both days

£126 £115

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 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.

Water Quality

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. Results are posted to the website: londonsroyaldocks.com

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

Accessibility & assistance

RDSS is an inclusive event and we make every effort to ensure participants and visitors are well supported. If you require any special assistance, please contact us at hello@loveopenwater.co.uk