By Gayle Pille
NKyTribune Contributor
It’s a wonderful way to begin a Sunday morning. At check-in the city is still dark as folks begin to register and sign release forms – some already in their swim suits, another in a bath robe, gym bags slung over shoulders, anticipation starting to mount as Chairman Brewster Rhoads greets swimmers like returning old friends.
By the time swimmers walk up the Serpentine Wall to the swim start the sun is rising in the sky, light glistening off of the shimmering river water; lifeguards in colorful kayaks paddling back and forth awaiting the sound of the horn.
It’s that time of year again. The Great Ohio River Swim takes place at 8:15 am on Sunday, September 27th and is billed as the largest swim across the Ohio River and back. Over the years the event has attracted those as young as 10 to age 85. If you’re a swimmer, the Great Ohio River Swim should definitely be on your bucket list.
Swimmers jump in at the Serpentine Wall, swim over to the Newport side of the river and back again, about a half-mile total distance. As a fall event, conditions are usually perfect. Water temperatures have been consistently pleasant through September; and with our historically dry falls, pollution levels have been very low and the river has been smooth as glass. There isn’t a better time to swim the Great Ohio.
And you don’t have to worry about speed boats or barges. The river is closed to all boat traffic for this event.
You can swim the river competitively or just for kicks. Either way it’s an exhilarating experience. It’s you and the big, wonderful Ohio River; framed by bridges and the skylines of Newport and Cincinnati. Most people wouldn’t think of swimming across the Ohio River. But most people also don’t realize the pure joy of an open water swim. You’re swimming just a freely as any fish in the water. What fun.
For more information on the Great Ohio River swim visit www.greatohioriverswim.com
