Events
Building Water Safety Skills in the Royal Docks
From free SwimSafe water safety sessions and swimming lessons to open-water training and practical rescue skills, there are a range of opportunities across the Royal Docks to help people build confidence in and around water.
Whether you're learning to swim, developing new skills or helping young people stay safe around water, organisations across the Royal Docks offer programmes for all ages to build confidence and improve water safety knowledge.
Free Swim Safe sessions
Funded by the Mayor of London and created by Swim England and the RNLI, SwimSafe returns to the Royal Docks for its third year. The free programme helps children aged 7–14 learn essential water safety skills, including how to float, recognise hazards and stay safe in open water. Running daily as part of Royal Docks Summer Splash, more than 400 free places are available this summer. Find out more and book a SwimSafe session.
Water Safety Line Throwing Workshop
Learn essential water safety and rescue skills with Atlantic Pacific’s free Water Safety Line Throwing Workshop. Young people aged 10–15 will learn how to recognise drowning risks, stay safe near water and use a throw line to help someone in difficulty. Participants must be accompanied by an adult. No water entry is required.
Tuesday 28 July 2026
2pm–5.30pm
Atlantic Pacific, 1008 Dockside, London E16 2QT
Free to attend. Booking required – book now to secure your place.
London Fire Brigade Water Safety Event
Join the London Fire Brigade and emergency service partners for a free, family-friendly day of water safety activities in Royal Albert Wharf. Learn practical tips for staying safe around water, meet local firefighters and specialist rescue teams, see water rescue equipment up close, and have a go with water rescue gear.
Saturday 18 July 2026
11am–4pm
Basin Approach, E16 2QX
Free to attend – no booking required. Find out more.
Newham & UEL Swimming Club
Newham & UEL Swimming Club welcomes children and adults interested in competitive swimming or coached fitness sessions. With a variety of training pathways to suit most abilities, including Talent Lane sessions, the club offers opportunities to develop swimming skills and confidence in the water. Talent Lane sessions cost just £3 per session, providing an affordable introduction to club swimming. Email headcoachnsc@gmail.com to find out more.
Newham Leisure Centre Swimming Lessons
Newham Leisure Centre offers a wide range of swimming lessons for children and adults. Whether you’re a beginner learning the basics or someone looking to strengthen technique or explore lifesaving skills, the centre provides structured, supportive teaching for all abilities.
Royal Victoria Dock
Royal Docks Sea Cadets
For young people looking to build confidence in and around water, Royal Docks Sea Cadets offers opportunities to learn practical skills through activities such as sailing, windsurfing and powerboating. Alongside watersports, cadets develop teamwork, leadership and resilience while taking part in a wide range of adventures on and off the water. Visit the Royal Docks Sea Cadets Facebook page to find out more.
Swimming lessons at Crowne Plaza London Docklands
Love to Swim offers friendly lessons at the Crowne Plaza London Docklands for adults, seniors, toddlers aged 2–3 and children aged 4+ with SEN. Small‑group and private lessons are also available, including female‑only and autism‑friendly options.
Set in a modern, light‑filled hotel pool in the heart of the Royal Victoria it offers a calm space for learning. Taught by expert instructors the lessons focus on building confidence, technique and enjoying the water.
Important safety information:
The Royal Docks are a working water environment and are not open for general, public swimming. The dock waters are deep and can present significant hazards. Please only enter the water as part of an authorised activity operated by a licensed provider and follow all safety instructions.
