Canary Wharf dock 'completely clean' to swim in

The water at a dock in Canary Wharf is "completely clean" to swim in, organisers of open water swimming sessions have said.

Last week, concerns were raised about levels of E.coli in parts of the River Thames.

Campaign group River Action said its water sampling by citizen scientists in Henley showed "alarmingly high levels" of E.coli bacteria which can cause serious infections.

Love Open Water, which runs the swim sessions at Middle Dock in the east London business district, said tests had shown the water levels had "consistently exceeded the minimum requirements for bathing standards" and that it was "completely clean and safe to swim in".

Middle Dock reopened to swimmers last month.

The facility first opened to swimmers in 2022 and is back this year due to "overwhelming demand" from workers, residents and visitors, Canary Wharf Group (CWG) said.

The developer behind Canary Wharf said water testing was carried out as per EU bathing guidelines and showed a "consistent record of the highest grading possible".

"During the early development of Canary Wharf, a cofferdam was put in at the entrance of Middle Dock, fully closing it off from the surrounding docklands and the River Thames.

"It is entirely enclosed and totally untouched by any overflows or waste," CWG said.

Every session is lifeguarded and can be enjoyed by competent open water swimmers over the age of 10.

All swimmers must wear brightly coloured head wear and a bright tow float in the water.

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