Preparations are being made for the first organized Chicago River swim in nearly 100 years, taking place this Sunday involving 300 swimmers and an equal number of volunteers.
The founder of the river swim, Doug McConnell, says the last organized swim was in 1927 and came at a time when such events were done as celebrations.
“The same reason that we are now and that is to celebrate the fact that the river was so clean after they reversed the flow of the Chicago River in 1900, they were celebrating the fact that it was so clean for the residents.”
McConnell came up with the idea for the swim after learning about a similar swim in the canals of Amsterdam.
The city denied a permit last year. About 1,200 people had signed up. The event was moved to Lake Michigan.
McConnell says the 300 swimmers taking part on Sunday were vetted. They had to prove they were capable. Some will swim a mile, others two miles.
Assistant Professor Abhilasha Shrestha, with the UIC School of Public Health, has been testing the water for several weeks, and has found that it is safe for swimming.
“We’re optimistic that the water quality is good and within the EPA guidelines.”
However, she said, “we cannot guarantee that people will not get sick.”
Tim Marooney is swimming.
“This will be my first time in the river. I’m a Chicago native so its kind of a dream come true to be able to do something other people have not been able to do in my lifetime.”
He’s been impacted by ALS. He’s lost family and friends.
That’s why he’s swimming.
To raise money for ALS research.