The Rottnest Channel Swim Association has cancelled the 2026 South32 Rottnest Channel Swim for safety reason due to forecast conditions.
All participants have been notified of the cancellation via SMS.
The Rottnest Channel Swim Association would like to acknowledge the swimmers and support crews who have trained, prepared and travelled for this event.
We understand the cancellation may have left some participants disappointed. This decision was made to ensure the safety of all Event participants, which is always the top priority of the Rottnest Channel Swim Association.
Please find below the next steps regarding timing chips and Solo Prize Packs. We also encourage solo swimmers to consider an Out of Event Crossing on one of the upcoming dates: February 28, March 14, March 28 or April 11. For more information visit the RCSA website.
Our heartfelt gratitude goes to the volunteers and Event safety personnel for their unwavering dedication to the Event right up to cancellation.
Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. We will respond to you as soon as possible.
FAQs
What do I do with my timing chip?
Your timing chip is disposable and so can be discarded in any general waste bin.
Will refunds be offered?
While we understand the disappointment stemming from the Event cancellation, it’s important to note that Event costs unfortunately cannot be refunded, nor can the Event be rescheduled. As per the Event Terms and Conditions, there are no refunds for the cancellation or withdrawal of team/duo registrations at all, or for solo registrations after the 28 November 2025. We appreciate your understanding in this matter.
Will swimmers be offered guaranteed entry to the 2027 South32 Rottnest Channel Swim?
Teams and Duos in 2027: We are pleased to announce that all teams and duos who registered for the 2026 event will be offered a guaranteed entry for the 2027 South32 Rottnest Channel Swim. Additionally, guaranteed entry will be offered to teams and duos who cancelled their entry prior to the Event, due to weather concerns. This guaranteed entry must be claimed by the Team Captain of the duo or team. More information on how and when your guaranteed entry will be granted is to follow shortly.
Soloists in 2027: 2026 soloists will be offered priority entry into the 2027 South32 Rottnest Channel Swim. Also, guaranteed entry will be offered to soloists who cancelled their entry before the Event, due to weather concerns. More information on how and when your priority entry will be granted is to follow shortly.
What are the determining factors in cancelling the Event?
The Race Committee compares the condition indicators available against its risk thresholds.
These indicators include air temperature, water temperature, current speed and direction, wind speed and direction and any storm activity.
Commercial considerations on Rottnest Island or at Cottesloe are not a factor in the decision-making process.
Why did the RCSA wait to decide if the event will go ahead?
Forecast conditions can change significantly the week of the event. The RCSA Race Committee monitors conditions with the objective to give it every chance of going ahead.
The RCSA is aware participants in the South32 Rottnest Channel Swim have trained for significant amounts of time to prepare for the event, and many have travelled from interstate, overseas and regional WA. The RCSA wants to provide participants with every opportunity to complete their crossing.
Can the event be moved to another day?
The Rottnest Channel Swim Association has explored this option.
However, the enormous amount and cost of logistics, including management of the shipping lane, means moving the event to another day is not feasible.
More than 6,500 people including swimmers, skippers, paddlers, volunteers, safety and medical staff are involved in the South32 Rottnest Channel Swim.
Can I still just swim to Rottnest Island/Wadjemup tomorrow?
No. Out of event crossings can only take place on designated days approved by Fremantle Ports. The waters between Rottnest Island/Wadjemup and the mainland form part of the Fremantle Port’s Outer Harbor. As per Port Authorities Regulations 2001 Part 5, Section 89; a person must not swim in the water of a port without an exemption or risk incurring a financial penalty.
Who makes the decision to cancel?
The South32 Rottnest Channel Swim Race Committee decides if the event needs to be cancelled or if cut off times need to be altered due to unsuitable event conditions.
The Race Committee consists of:
- RCS Race Director: Rob Herkes
- RCS Shadow Race Director: David Brackstone
- RCS Assistant Race Director: Shannon Smith
- Marine Rescue Fremantle representative: Cameron McMillan
- RCSA President: Will Rollo
- RCSA Executive Director: Addy Wetzler
- RCS Chief Referee: Murray Glaskin
In making decisions on cancellations or adjusted cut-off times, the Race Committee takes advice from representatives of the Bureau of Meteorology and other relevant agencies.
How many times has the Event been cancelled?
The Rottnest Channel Swim has been cancelled once (2007) due to dangerous weather conditions once and abandoned once (2024).
Poor conditions have been experienced in multiple years including 2018 and 2019 when cut off times were amended mid-event in response to deteriorating conditions. This meant that some swimmers at the back of the pack were unable to finish their event.
Solo Prize Pack collection
While Solo Prize Packs are usually only allowed for soloists who successfully cross to Rottnest Island, the RCSA Board has decided to allow 2026 soloists to receive their Solo Prize Pack following the Event (barring items that are inaccurate due to the Event cancellation).
More information on this will be provided via email to solo and tandem solo swimmers
If you are an International, Interstate or Regional soloist, unable to collect your Pack within this period, please contact the RCSA directly at query@rottnestchannelswim.com.au
Have a question, query or concern? Please reach out to the team via query@rottnestchannelswim.com.au
