Love Open Water London Royal Docks — Attraction in London

Attended earlier today, arrived to be told a mandatory cold water induction was required and this had to be done via the app, I have no problem with a safety induction (and actually encourage them if performed correctly) , but I had several issues with how this one is carried out:

The online cold water induction was £5. It was a series of pre-recorded videos, why on earth does it cost £5? Given the content of the videos I can only assume one of the companies employees or relation of recently completed a sports science degree and wanted to make some cash. Given £9.50 had already been paid for the session, move out of the way Oasis, this is an example of profiteering at its finest.

The videos were 40minutes in length and mostly waffle. They were so long you couldn’t tell what was important safety information and what was regurgitation from a textbook. It also included 10-minutes on the mental health benefits of open water swimming… I know this which is why I’m here to swim, why do I need to sit and watch this, more importantly why have I had to pay for this?!

The staff at the venue also weren’t enforcing wetsuits or even flotation devices/buoys. Why make someone pay to watch a safety video if you then allow people in without any safety equipment. It’s not clear what the point of the video is apart from to make some extra cash.

When these concerns were raised to staff at the venue they just advised me to skip through the induction by answering the questions and not watching the (mandatory) videos. Why set an induction as mandatory if you don’t actually Mandate that people watch it!?! Also, you couldn’t actually skip the videos which implies the staff on the day haven’t performed this induction themselves.

This leaves a really bitter taste and we will not...

I love this spot. On top of your head you have the cables cars and down you have the ducks in the water busy building masterpieces nest using recycle materials, all the plastic the can collect from the river. They all look like super experienced Bob the builders in action. From another angle, in front of you can admire giants printing pictures inspired by the surrounding nature. You can just seat there and look at that view without getting tired The sky is open and big and you can also hear a roar of a landing plane to the next City London airport. In the end let's not forget the ex museum , a building that now is the Mayor's office that shine in all its splendour with its irregular shape. A suggestive scenario from left to right...

This is an amazing shared area. Many people enjoy the views, the water and a great place for late afternoon walks.

The organisers of the open swim event however, failed to make changing room provisions for swimmers during COVID. This lead to family and practically streakers mixing. I confronted a man, who clearly had his bits on show, 3ft away from a family with young children. He refused to move and continued walking about half naked, and more shockingly continued to flash even more body parts! The policed were called, and an arrest made.

It is very disappointing that the organisers are so inconsiderate, of other users of this...