Salute e Benessere
CHICAGO RIVER SWIM APPROVED FOR HISTORIC RETURN THIS SEPTEMBER
CHICAGO , Aug. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The City of Chicago has officially approved the 2025 Chicago River Swim, the first organized open water swim in the river in nearly a century. Scheduled for Sunday, September 21 , the event will highlight the city's environmental progress while raising funds for ALS research at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine and youth swim safety education in underserved communities.
says Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson .
Five hundred qualified swimmers will participate in the one- or two-mile swim along the river's main stem, starting at the Dearborn Street Bridge.
The event is produced by nonprofit , founded by world-class open-water swimmer Doug McConnell . says McConnell.
Over the past several decades, the Chicago River has transformed from a heavily polluted channel to a vibrant industrial waterway. Key advancements include stronger environmental regulations, improved wastewater treatment, and reduced sewer overflows by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. Water quality is now monitored in real time through , led by innovation hub . Improved conditions have encouraged the return of fish, birds, and other aquatic life. Investment in the Riverwalk has further revitalized the riverfront into a cultural and recreational destination. Nonprofits like have played an integral role in this transformation.
said Margaret Frisbie , executive director of Friends of the Chicago River.
CRS is also partnering with the and will feature , a 20-time All-American and Olympic bronze medalist.
Safety remains the top priority. Organizers are collaborating with , the University of Illinois Chicago and on water quality testing, which will provide near real-time data leading up to and during the event. Over 100 trained safety personnel—including kayakers, paddle boarders and boat crews—will monitor the course. Additional safety measures include autonomous buoys, GPS tracking and in-water timing systems. The U.S. Coast Guard will close the river to all vessel traffic, and Riverwalk access will be restricted to designated viewing areas.
CRS will only proceed if water quality and safety conditions meet rigorous standards. If conditions are unsafe, the team is prepared to delay or cancel the swim.
For details on how to apply and more information, visit ChicagoRiverSwim.org.
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