London heatwave: New open-water swimming venue launches in Canary Wharf

A new open-water swimming venue has been launched in Canary Wharf as London sizzles in a 31C heatwave - with even hotter temperatures on the way.

Overheated city workers and residents will be able to take a dip in the cooling waters of Middle Dock while enjoying views of the nearby skyscrapers.

It comes as the capital is set to get even hotter over the coming days, with an amber heat alert of temperatures above 34C expected next week.

Operated by Canary Wharf Group, the Canal & River Trust and Love Open Water, supported by NOWCA, a safe open water venue network, it is suitable for swimmers aged 10 and up.

However, there is no shallow or standing area in the water, which is 2.5m to 8m deep.

Rick Kiddle, NOWCA chief executive, said: “Our aim is to help make open water swimming more accessible, to more people, and most importantly more safely.

“We support over 40 venues nationwide with our safety systems and we have worked with Love Open Water for a decade now.

“We are really excited to be part of this fantastic new venue at Canary Wharf as it will open more swimming possibilities in the east London area.”

The 600m swimming space is open until the end of September and sessions are lifeguarded, while the water is tested twice a month and meets EU standards for excellent bathing quality.

From triathlon training to those dipping their toes into the world of open water swimming, which is now one of the fastest growing activities in the UK, all skill levels are welcome.

But would-be swimmers have been warned to take water safety extremely seriously.

Ros Daniels, from the Canal & River Trust, said: “Unless taking part in a supervised event with all the safety measures in place, our advice is to stay out of the water.

“The risks of going unsupervised are very real. Water can be far colder than expected, even on the hottest days and objects submerged below the surface can present a very real risk.”

She added: “We are pleased to be working in partnership with Canary Wharf Group to licence an area of London Docklands where people can experience open water swimming safely under the supervision of lifeguards and where water quality will be routinely tested.”

Love Open Water says access to the venue is via a set of metal steps to a floating deck, with a ramp leading into the water to a 0.5m depth, before the end of the ramp then drops off.

Swimmers are asked to arrive via Humble Grape on Mackenzie Walk, either water-ready or with a changing robe, with dry clothes to change into after a dip.

There is a mixed gender changing cabin available and public gender segregated toilets.

To book a swim, purchase a NOWCA membership for £15 a year, which gives you access to 40+ UK-wide locations, and then book a swim at Canary Wharf via Love Open Water for £8.

Free NOWCA swim events will also be offered regularly, over the 200m and 600m distances.

Shobi Khan, Canary Wharf Group chief executive, said: “This is an exciting time for Canary Wharf with incredible events, arts exhibitions and restaurant openings planned this summer.

“A key objective is to open up the water for our residents, visitors and business customers to reconnect with nature.”

Canary Wharf is also home to electric GoBoat London, free-to-play minigolf and the summer lights artwork trail, while the area will also host the paddleboard APP world tour in August.

Love Open Water also offers swimming at London’s Royal Dock.

For more information, visit Love Open Water or NOWCA.