The Great London Dook is Born
In intrepid four volunteers tested the waters at Southmere Lake in Thamesmead on Thursday 1st January 2026, so we can launch the Great London Dook, this will become an annual event, further details will be published.
Before 
After
Looking is a Scottish tradition of going for an open water swim on New Year’s Day, The Sharks are brining that tradition to London, with the Great London Dook, it is our plan to grow this into an amazing annual event, attracting people from far and wide.
As it grows we will be adding in more categories, prizes and fun activities, the object of the events will be:
- To have fun
- To make Thamesmead a New Year’s Day destination
- To make Dookers feel good
- To promote Opern Water Swimming, and specifically Open Water Swimming in Thamesmead (Birchmere)
- To Raise money for local charities
However, we needed a test event and so, at 10:30 on January 1st 2026, Yung, Neal, Grant, and Andrew tested the water for us and it was apparently 4° C, Well done guys and thank you. Hot soup, tea, coffee, and hot showers were the reward.
As well as the Dook, we had some people down for a New Year’s paddle and again this will now become part of the annual event.
A worthy mention to our International Sharks, who took to the seas elsewhere to Dook. Dom had a swim in the sea at Donostia (San Sebastián).
Grant also had a quick sea swim in Brittany at Christmas.
The Sharks are bringing life back to Southmere, and Birchmere, with fun activities, we are developing great projects for the future, so make sure you are involved and kept informed. Get in touch, email: thamesemead@thesharks.org.uk or call/text 07951 770241.
Have a Happy, Fun, and Active 2026
Published 2nd January 2026