On Sunday, August 27, swimmers can join Ohio-based nonprofit Adventure Crew for a fundraising event on the Ohio River. Proceeds from the 2023 Bill Keating, Jr. Great Ohio River Swim will help Adventure Crew connect city teens to nature and each other through outdoor adventures.
Interested in joining this open-water swim across the Ohio River? Pre-registration is open until Saturday, August 26, at noon. Participants will start their swim at Serpentine Wall in downtown Cincinnati. From there, swimmers will make their way to the Kentucky side of the river before tracing the same route back. During the approximately 900-meter race, the river will be closed to motorized traffic. Onsite safety paddlers will help provide support when needed.
“The Great Ohio River Swim has become a ‘bucket list’ event for many local swimmers,” Miriam Wise, Adventure Crew’s director of support and engagement, said. “We’re excited to host both competitive and recreational swimmers in support of Adventure Crew’s Swim Training Program, which provides city teens with access to swim lessons, water safety instruction and lifeguard certification.”
Swimmers seeking an extra challenge can apply for one of the few “Double Dipper” spots. Double Dipper will go for a 2.5-mile swim down the Ohio shoreline before joining participants in the 900-meter course. These swimmers will commit to raising at least $200 for Adventure Crew.
The fundraiser gets its name from Bill Keating Jr., one of the first swimmers to sign up for the first swim in 2007. While Keating passed away from brain cancer in 2017, his family remains involved with the Great Ohio River Swim.
“I’m thrilled to continue being part of this event and to honor my dad’s legacy,” Caroline Keating, Bill Keating Jr.’s daughter and Adventure Crew board member, said. “Adventure Crew broadens access to swim instruction and provides city teens with a critical life-saving skill, thanks in part to the proceeds from this fun morning on the river.”
Pre-register for the event online here. On-site registration will open at 7 a.m. on the day of the swim. In the event of unsafe water conditions, the swim will be rescheduled for Sunday, September 10.