Love Open Water Canary Wharf

Open Water Swimming at Canary Wharf

Our venues are as amazing as the teams that run them. Every location offers safe open water swimming, with lifeguards present at every session and regular water quality testing. Join our welcoming community of swimmers and experience open water swimming safely and confidently.

Facilities

At the base of Cubitt Steps, you’ll find toilets, changing rooms, and an outdoor warm water rinse shower. These facilities are available for swimmers during session hours only.

There is a bag drop next to reception, but it is outdoors. We cannot take responsibility for lost or stolen items, so we recommend leaving valuables at home or in the office. Items left at the venue will be held for a few weeks — please check with staff if you’ve left something behind.

Access to the swimming area is via metal steps leading to a floating deck and a ramp into the water, with a depth starting at 0.5m and dropping to between 2.5m–8m. There are no shallow standing areas at this venue.

Your Swim

Arrive early to change and check in at the cabins. New NOWCA members can collect their swim band on their first visit. Your swimming slot is your entry time and helps us safely manage numbers. Swimming time is open-ended until 10 minutes before closing. If you wish to swim longer, book an earlier timeslot.

A 200m swim loop is available — please familiarise yourself with the course and swim direction before entering the water.

For swims at Canary Wharf, download the ACTiO app, set up your NOWCA membership, and select Love Open Water Canary Wharf to check prices or book your swim.

Equipment

Wetsuits are not compulsory, but the Royal Life Saving Society recommends wearing one in water under 15°C. Wetsuits are not available on-site but can be hired from Tri Wetsuit Hire, which offers short- and long-term hire.

All swimmers must wear a brightly coloured hat for visibility and warmth, and use a tow float for safety. Tow floats are available to hire or purchase on-site.

Location

Our venue is located at the bottom of Cubitt Steps, under the MacKenzie Walk bridge, next to the Humble Grape.

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We recommend travelling by public transport, with options including Canary Wharf station on the Elizabeth Line, DLR, and Jubilee Line.