1. Definitions

In these Terms and Conditions the following definitions apply:

“King of the Thames” means the open water swimming event organised by SwimQuest consisting of an approximately 3km river swim from Hampton Court to Ravens Ait Island, Kingston upon Thames, or such alternative course as may be determined by the Event Organiser.

“Event” means the King of the Thames event scheduled to take place on Saturday 27 June 2026, or on such other date as may be determined by the Event Organiser.

“Event Organiser” means SwimQuest Holidays Ltd, together with any staff, contractors, volunteers, safety personnel or partners engaged by SwimQuest for the purpose of delivering the Event.

“Entry Fee” means the price payable by a Participant to enter the Event, excluding any Platform Fee.

“Participant” / “you” / “your” means any individual who registers for or participates in the Event.

“Online Registration Form” means the electronic registration form completed during the booking process.

“Online Confirmation” means confirmation issued by the Event Organiser confirming a Participant’s entry.

“Registration” means the receipt of Online Confirmation by the Participant.

“Platform Fee” means any fee charged by the registration platform provider (currently Active Network LLC).

“Website” means the official King of the Thames website.
 

2. The Event

2.1 Event Overview

King of the Thames is an open water mass participation river swim of approximately 3 kilometres, starting near Hampton Court and finishing at Ravens Ait Island near Kingston upon Thames.

The Event is owned, operated and promoted by SwimQuest Holidays Ltd.

2.2 Event Changes

The Event Organiser reserves the right to alter:

• the event date

• the start time

• the course

• the venue

• the event format

• start wave allocations

if reasonably required for safety, operational or regulatory reasons.

2.3 Backup Venue

If conditions on the River Thames are considered unsafe immediately prior to the event, the Event Organiser may run a backup swim of the same distance at an alternative venue.

The post-swim celebration may still take place at Ravens Ait Island, and participants will be responsible for arranging their own travel between venues.

2.4 Cancellation

The Event Organiser reserves the right to cancel the Event in whole or in part if necessary for safety, environmental, regulatory or operational reasons.

3. Registration and Participation

3.1 Age Requirement

Participants must be 18 years or older on the date of the Event.

3.2 Registration

Participants must complete the Online Registration Form and receive Online Confirmation to participate.

The Event Organiser is not responsible for technical failures affecting registration.

3.3 Payment

Online Confirmation will only be issued once the Entry Fee has been received in cleared funds.

3.4 Refund Policy

Entry Fees are non-refundable and non-deferrable if a Participant chooses not to take part.

3.5 Transfers

Participants may transfer their place to another swimmer via their registration account up to 7 days before the Event.

A £15 transfer fee applies.

3.6 Platform Fees

Platform Fees charged by the registration provider are non-refundable under any circumstances.

3.7 Race Pack Collection

Participants must arrive at the Event venue at least 60 minutes before their start time, or as requested in the pre-swim information pack - to receive their swim briefing and to check in.

Participants must display their official race number at all times.

Race numbers are personal and may not be transferred or used by another person.

4. Swimming Ability and Minimum Pace

Participants confirm that they:

• are competent open water swimmers

• are capable of safely completing the 3km distance

• can maintain a pace of 40 minutes per kilometre or faster

• The Event operates with safety cut-off times.

Participants who fall behind the minimum pace may be removed from the water.

Safety staff decisions are final.

5. Acceptance of Risk

Participants acknowledge that open water swimming is an inherently risky activity.

Risks include, but are not limited to:

• cold water exposure

• strong or changing river currents

• reduced underwater visibility

• submerged obstacles or debris

• collision with other swimmers or safety craft

• slips or falls entering or exiting the water

• fatigue or cramp

• accidental inhalation of water

• drowning or serious injury.

Participants voluntarily accept these risks.

6. Water Quality and Environmental Risk

Participants acknowledge that natural bodies of water may contain bacteria, pollutants or contaminants.

Despite monitoring and event safety measures, exposure to river water may result in illness including:

• gastrointestinal illness

• infections

• skin irritation

• respiratory illness

• other waterborne diseases.

By entering the Event, participants acknowledge and accept the risk of illness associated with river water exposure.

7. River Navigation and Safety Authority

The River Thames is an active navigational waterway used by commercial vessels, recreational boats, rowing craft and other river users.

Participants must follow instructions given by:

• Event organisers

• lifeguards

• safety boats

• kayakers or paddleboard marshals

• police or emergency services

• river authorities.

Failure to follow safety instructions may result in removal from the Event.
 

8. Event Safety Control

The Event Organiser may at any time:

• delay the start

• alter the course

• change start waves

• shorten the swim

• remove swimmers from the water

suspend or abandon the Event.

This may occur due to:

• weather conditions

• river flow

• poor water quality

• pollution incidents

• navigation restrictions

• safety concerns.

All safety decisions are final.
 

9. Health Declaration

Participants confirm that:

• they are medically fit to participate

• they have no medical condition that would make participation unsafe

• they accept responsibility for monitoring their health during the Event.

• Participants consent to receiving medical treatment if required.
   

10. Medical Assistance

The Event Organiser will arrange appropriate first aid and medical support.

Participants authorise event medical personnel to administer treatment if required.

Participants remain responsible for any medical expenses incurred.
 

11. Alcohol, Drugs and Conduct

Participants must not participate under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Participants behaving in an unsafe or inappropriate manner may be disqualified or removed from the Event.
 

12. Photography and Media

Participants grant the Event Organiser a worldwide royalty-free licence to photograph, film or otherwise record them in connection with the Event.

These images may be used for:

• event promotion

• marketing

• media coverage

• future SwimQuest events.

Participants may opt out by notifying the Event Organiser in writing (info@swimquest.uk.com) before the Event.
 

13. Personal Property

Participants are responsible for their own belongings.

The Event Organiser accepts no responsibility for loss or damage to personal property.

14. Liability and Indemnity

To the extent permitted by law:

The Event Organiser shall not be liable for:

• loss of profits

• loss of revenue

• loss of business

• loss of anticipated savings

• loss of data

• reputational loss

• indirect or consequential loss.

Participants indemnify the Event Organiser against claims arising from their participation.

Nothing in these Terms excludes liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence.

15. Force Majeure

The Event Organiser shall not be liable for cancellation, delay or alteration caused by events beyond reasonable control including:

• extreme weather

• flooding

• pollution incidents

• river closures

• public authority restrictions

• public health emergencies

• acts of God.
   

16. Data Protection

Participant data may be used for:

• event administration

• safety and medical purposes

• results and statistics

• event promotion and research

All data will be handled in accordance with applicable data protection legislation.
 

17. Amendments

The Event Organiser reserves the right to amend these Terms and Conditions at any time.

18. Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions are governed by English law and subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.
 

Participant Declaration

By registering for King of the Thames, I confirm that:

• I have read and understood these Terms and Conditions.

• I accept the risks associated with open water swimming.

• I confirm I am medically fit to participate.

• I agree to follow all safety instructions from event staff.

• I accept the event policies including cancellation and transfers.

• Participants take part entirely at their own risk.