PERTH, 20 February 2026 – Organisers of the South32 Rottnest Channel Swim are closely monitoring weather conditions as thousands of swimmers prepare for the 36th annual crossing scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday 21 February 2026. While excitement remains high for Western Australia’s most iconic open-water event, a final safety decision is pending due to forecasts of rough seas and strong winds.
Weather Watch: Event Status Update
As of Friday afternoon, the Rottnest Channel Swim Association (RCSA) Race Committee is weighing a potential cancellation or delay. Forecasts indicate winds could reach up to 55 kph, creating challenging conditions for both swimmers and their support craft. A final “go/no-go” decision will be made by 4:00 am on Saturday morning. Participants are advised to check official channels for the final alert before heading to Cottesloe Beach.
The 19.7km course, which runs from Cottesloe Beach (Mudurup) to Rottnest Island (Wadjemup), is known for its unpredictable conditions. Safety remains the priority for the thousands of solo, duo, and team competitors registered for the 2026 edition.
2026 Event Overview
The Rottnest Channel Swim is regarded as one of the largest open-water swimming events in the world. This year marks the 36th anniversary of the race in its current format, which began in 1991. Competitors range from elite solo swimmers to community teams of four.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Date | Saturday 21 February 2026 |
| Distance | 19.7 Kilometres |
| Start Location | Cottesloe Beach (Mudurup) |
| Finish Location | Rottnest Island (Wadjemup) |
| Solo Qualification | 10km swim in 4 hours 15 minutes or less |
| Direct Course Line | Marked by alternating orange and yellow buoys |
Key Competitors and Virtual Events
Reigning female solo champion Bianca Monaco enters the 2026 race with significant momentum following her recent victory at the Busselton Jetty Swim. She is expected to be a frontrunner if the crossing proceeds.
For those unable to make it to the coast, several “Virtual Swims” are taking place across Western Australia. The Tom Price Amateur Swimming Club and the MALC in Pinjarra are both hosting virtual events on 21 February, allowing regional swimmers to complete the 19.7km distance in a pool environment.
Safety and Logistics
The RCSA has implemented several tools to assist swimmers, including a Route Optimisation Tool that calculates personalised paths based on predicted swimming speeds. All solo swimmers must have completed a qualifying 10km open-water swim to be eligible for the crossing.
Support crews, including skippers and paddlers, play a vital role in the event. Due to the current weather warnings, skippers are urged to review boating procedures and ensure all safety equipment is functional, as rougher seas increase the risk of vessel mechanical issues or swamping.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time will we know if the swim is cancelled?
The RCSA Race Committee will make a final decision on or before 4:00 am on Saturday 21 February 2026. All participants will be notified via the official event website and social media channels.
What are the qualifying requirements for solo swimmers?
To qualify for a solo crossing, a swimmer must have officially recorded a 10km open-water swim in 4 hours and 15 minutes or less. Alternatively, completing a solo Rottnest Channel crossing in the previous two years also serves as a qualification.
Can I use a pool swim to qualify?
No. According to the official rules, qualifying swims must be conducted in open water and officially recorded by a timekeeper.
What happens if the event is cancelled?
In the event of a cancellation due to weather, participants should refer to the Event Rules and T&Cs provided by the South32 Rottnest Channel Swim Association regarding rescheduling or registration policies.