Плавательный забег через реку Огайо перенесен из-за сильного течения

Great Ohio River Swim postponed due to strong current CINCINNATI (WKRC) - Swimmers hoping to cross the Ohio River this weekend will have to wait a few more weeks. The Bill Keating Jr. Great Ohio River Swim, originally scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 30, has been postponed until Sunday, Sept. 13, because of concerns about the river's current. Organizers said they evaluate several factors before the annual event, including river level, velocity, debris, algae, bacteria and weather. Current projections indicate the Ohio River could be flowing at more than 1 mph Sunday, compared with approximately 0.5 mph during typical conditions for the swim. “The river current, which is typically around 0.5 mph for our swim, is currently running significantly faster and is not expected to return to a level we feel is safe for swimmers to cross the river this weekend,” event chair Caroline Keating said. Keating said organizers understood many participants had been training for Sunday's event but decided postponing it was the safest option. “My number one priority is making sure this event is not only fun and memorable, but most importantly, safe for every swimmer who joins us,” Keating said. The Great Ohio River Swim begins at the Serpentine Wall in downtown Cincinnati. Participants swim across the river to Kentucky and back on a course of approximately 900 meters while the Ohio River is closed to motorized traffic. A smaller group known as the “Double Dippers” completes an additional 2.5-mile swim downstream before joining the traditional course. The event benefits Adventure Crew, a Cincinnati nonprofit that provides outdoor experiences for local teenagers. Approximately 35 openings remain for the rescheduled event, according to organizers. Registration is limited to 275 participants. Check-in Sept. 13 is scheduled to begin at 7 a.m., followed by mandatory open-water safety instructions at 8 a.m. The swim is scheduled to start at 8:30 a.m.