Organizers of the Bill Keating Jr. Great Ohio River Swim have made the difficult decision to cancel the 2026 event, which was set for this Sunday, September 13, because of unsafe river conditions.
Since this Sunday, September 13 was the event’s scheduled make-up date—moved from its original date of August 30 due to unsafe river conditions at that time—organizers cannot postpone to a future date.
In advance of the Swim, organizers evaluate river stage, velocity, presence of debris, algae, bacteria and ambient weather. If river conditions do not meet their safety standards, they postpone the event. The Ohio River’s velocity is currently at 1 mph, and based on current data, we expect it to be in excess of 2 mph by Sunday.
“The river current, which is typically around 0.5 mph for our swim, is currently running significantly faster and is only expected to increase, making it unsafe for swimmers to cross the river,” said Event Chair Caroline Keating.
Additionally, today’s rainfall and the additional precipitation predicted over the next two days have the potential to raise bacteria levels in the water beyond what is safe for full-body contact.
“Our number one priority is making sure this event is safe for every swimmer who joins us,” Keating said. “Like you, we have been excitedly looking forward to Sunday, and we know you’re as disappointed as we are by the cancelation. It was a tough call, but ultimately the right one.”
All swimmers who were registered for this year’s event will receive a free code for next year’s Swim once registration opens next spring. Save the date for Sunday, August 29, 2027 (backup date: Sunday, September 12, 2027)!
The Swim is organized by and benefits Adventure Crew, a nonprofit that connects city teens with nature and each other through outdoor adventures.
Registered swimmers can stop by the Adventure Crew office (1008 Marshall Ave., Cincinnati; free parking available) on Sunday morning between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m., the time when the Swim would have taken place, to pick up their T-shirt, have a cup of coffee and some carbs, and commiserate about the river’s unwillingness to cooperate with their plans. The first 40 “finishers” (read: Registered swimmers to arrive at the office) can take home one of the 2026 “swimming pig” medals.