La Jolla Cove Swim 2026
We were so excited to spend this weekend at one of San Diego’s most iconic swimming events, the La Jolla Cove Swim. Unfortunately, Mother Nature had other plans!
The 2026 La Jolla Cove Swim, scheduled for Sunday, September 13, has officially been canceled due to safety considerations.
A San Diego Tradition More Than 100 Years in the Making
The La Jolla Cove Swim is much more than another swim meet. Dating back to 1916, it is one of the longest-running open-water swimming traditions in the country.
The event brings swimmers of all ages and experience levels together in beautiful La Jolla Cove, with distances ranging from the 250-meter kids’ Garibaldi Groms swim to the 1-mile Sea Lion and challenging 3-mile Leopard Shark swim.
Even better, the event supports a great cause. Proceeds benefit the Prevent Drowning Foundation of San Diego, helping make swim education and water safety more accessible in our community.
When the Ocean Makes the Call
One thing every open-water swimmer knows: the ocean is always in charge.
Southern California has experienced some unusually rough ocean conditions recently, including elevated surf and dangerous rip currents associated with Hurricane Marie farther out in the Pacific.
While the La Jolla Cove Swim organizers cited safety considerations in announcing the cancellation, conditions like swell, currents and changing weather are especially important when planning an event that puts hundreds of swimmers into open water.
Unlike swimming in a pool, open-water conditions can change quickly. And with kids, adults, volunteers, lifeguards and spectators all involved, sometimes the safest decision is the disappointing one.
We’re Bummed - But Safety Always Wins
As swimmers and water lovers ourselves, we know how much preparation goes into an event like this - not only from the organizers and volunteers, but from every swimmer who has spent weeks or months training.
So while we're disappointed that we won't get to see everyone at the Cove this weekend (we were planning on jumping in the water and swimming!), we have tremendous respect for putting swimmer safety first.
There will always be another opportunity to splash. 💦
To all the swimmers who trained for the La Jolla Cove Swim, keep swimming, keep training and keep enjoying the water safely. We hope to see everyone back at the Cove swim next year!
Until then, happy (and safe) splashing!
Katelyn & Michelle
Co-Founders, Active COCO
