World Aquatics Championships Singapore: Swimming Event Postponed

The women’s 10km (6.2-mile) open water swimming race at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore has been postponed due to poor water quality.

World Aquatics, the governing body said on Tuesday that a review of the course at Sentosa Island found water quality levels “exceeding acceptable thresholds”. It added that the decision to postpone was “in the utmost interest of athlete safety”.

“World Aquatics regrets the inconvenience caused by the postponement and acknowledges the commitment and preparation of all athletes, coaches and teams,” the organisers said in a statement.

“The health and safety of participants remain the highest priority in all competition-related decisions.”

The event was scheduled to take place on 15 July 2025 at 8:00 a.m.

World Athletics said tests had “consistently” shown the water quality to be acceptable but that a sample taken on Sunday went over the limit.

“Subsequent water samples and water quality review sessions will continue to take place at the competition venue, during which World Aquatics and the Singapore 2025 Organising Committee will determine whether conditions are safe to proceed with the event on a later date,” the statement said.

This is not the first time a major sporting event has been affected by poor water quality.

At last year’s Paris Olympics, several open-water swimming events had to be postponed or cancelled after tests showed the level of faecal bacteria in the River Seine was above World Aquatics standards.

The championships, which officially opened on Friday, are being held in Singapore for the first time. Over 2,500 athletes are expected to take part in the event, which ends on August 3.

The women’s 10km race  has been pushed back to Wednesday, when the men’s event will also be held.

Subsequent water samples and water quality review sessions will continue to take place at the competition venue, during which World Aquatics and the Singapore 2025 Organising Committee will determine whether conditions are safe to proceed with the event on a later date.

Also Read: World Aquatics Championships 2025: Schedule, Where To Watch

World Aquatics Championships Singapore: Updated open water swimming schedule

• 16 July – Men’s 10km at 7:30SGT / Women’s 10km at 10:15SGT

• 17 July – Regularly Scheduled Off Day

• 18 July – Men’s and Women’s 5km

• 19 July – Men’s and Women’s 3km Knockout Sprint

• 20 July – Mixed 4x1500m Relay