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No refunds for participants as Rottnest Channel Swim cancelled
The almost 20km Perth to Rottnest Island swim is one of the biggest open water events in the world. (ABC News: Eliza Laschon)
Forecast bad weather has forced the cancellation of Perth's iconic Rottnest Channel Swim just 14 hours before it was due to start, leaving thousands of swimmers and support crew disappointed.
Authorities said the conditions made the event too unsafe to proceed.
Some of the 2,500 swimmers had already made the call not to race in the 48 hours prior to the 19.7 kilometre event being cancelled.
Rottnest Channel Swim race director Rob Herkes said he shared the frustration and disappointment of all participants.
Rottnest Swim 2026 cancelled due to dangerous weather
The Rottnest Channel Swim has been cancelled less than 24 hours before swimmers were set to take to the water in Cottesloe.
The organisers informed swimmers just after 4pm on Friday, saying Saturday’s weather forecast “present an unacceptable level of risk” for all people involved in the event.
“The Rottnest Channel Swim Association is incredibly disappointed to advise the 2026 South32 Rottnest Channel Swim has been cancelled due to forecast weather and marine conditions,” organisers said in a statement.
”Current predictions indicate persistent strong southerly winds, a powerful south-to-north surface current, and significant afternoon swell. These conditions are not expected to improve and present an unacceptable level of risk for swimmers, skippers and support crews.
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The 20-kilometre swim bringing a Perth family back to where it all began
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Competing in this year’s Rottnest Swim will be a full-circle moment for Nancy Shaw and her family.
It was at the Rottnest Hotel more than 20 years ago when Shaw first officially met her husband Jason after he had completed the swim, although their paths had crossed on previous occasions.
“I just finished an internship and qualified for the World Championships for Great Britain in the triathlon and it happened to be in New Zealand and Queenstown in 2003 in December,” Shaw said.
“Then my best friend from university was living in Perth, and she was like, ‘You need to come to Perth for Christmas’.
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