Can you swim here today?
Bethel Branch
Kentucky · River
Use caution — flow is well above normal for this date
Use cautionAs of August 23, 2026, the water temperature at Bethel Branch is 79°F (26°C), measured by USGS gauge 03287500, 13.3 miles away.
Use caution — flow is well above normal for this date: flow is above the 75th percentile for Aug 23 (median 1,440 ft³/s over 49 years); fast water is the top river-drowning risk.
- Flow is above the 75th percentile for Aug 23 (median 1,440 ft³/s over 49 years); fast water is the top river-drowning risk. — USGS daily streamflow statistics, as of Aug 23, 4:30 PM gauge-local time
- Water temperature is 79°F, within the comfortable 70–86°F range. — USGS gauge 03287500, as of Aug 23, 4:30 PM gauge-local time
Flow is high for this date — above the 75th percentile for Aug 23 (median 1,440 ft³/s over 49 years).
No official beach-advisory feed for Kentucky yet — follow posted signs and local guidance.
Live, provisional data from USGS gauge KENTUCKY RIVER AT LOCK 4 AT FRANKFORT, KY (13.3 mi away), as of Aug 23, 4:30 PM gauge-local time.
Before you get in
- Never swim alone — and keep weaker swimmers within arm's reach.
- Scout depth and entry/exit points before you get in.
- Read the current: avoid fast, rising, or murky water.
- Check the forecast — get out well before storms or lightning.
- Obey posted signs, flags, and lifeguard guidance.
Read next
Conditions are for general information only and can change quickly. Always judge the water in person and follow posted advisories and local guidance before swimming or paddling.