SAFETY
Guidelines for swimming the Ohio
Safety is our top priority. Please review the measures we have in place to ensure a fun and safe event. If you have questions about open water swimming the Ohio River, please email info@greatohioriverswim.com.
The Ohio River is closed to motorized traffic during the Great Ohio River Swim. Safety kayaks, jet skis, and boats will be on the water to assist swimmers, if needed. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Boone County Water Rescue, Cincinnati Fire, Cincinnati Police, and other local authorities will also be at the river for safety support.
In advance of the swim, the river is tested to ensure safety conditions for swimmers. We evaluate river stage, velocity, presence of debris, algae, bacteria, and ambient weather. The swim will be postponed if river conditions do not meet our safety standards.
There is a 8:00 am mandatory safety talk for all swimmers on Sunday morning.
