On a chilly Sunday morning, about 300 brave souls took a leap into the once-polluted Chicago River. This marked the first organized swim in nearly a century—a surprising event in a river that used to be one of the dirtiest in the world. Participants donned wetsuits and swam a mile-long loop, all thanks to significant efforts over the last 50 years to clean up American rivers.
Doug McConnell, an organizer of the event, reflected on the moment with joy. “It’s overwhelming to see this happen,” he said. He’s been advocating for a swim in the river for over a decade, having witnessed similar events in cities like Paris and Amsterdam. McConnell hopes this swim will become an annual tradition and inspire others across the United States.
The Chicago River has a controversial history. Once, it was treated as a dumping ground for waste, including sewage from nearby slaughterhouses. In the early 20th century, the city even reversed the river’s flow to protect its drinking water from pollution. Today, thanks to clean-up efforts, it’s a vibrant part of the city. “People are surprised by the water quality; it’s cleaner than they expect,” McConnell noted.
Margaret Frisbie, executive director of Friends of the Chicago River, echoed McConnell’s sentiments. “This swim shows how much we’ve changed our relationship with the river.” The group’s mission began in 1979, and over the years, they’ve worked tirelessly to restore the river’s health.
The transformation is not just historical. According to recent reports, many fish species have returned, and wildlife like beavers and snapping turtles now thrive in the area. In 2016, a public pathway along the river was completed, allowing people to enjoy its beauty, a stark contrast to its past reputation.
Environmental milestones in the 1970s, such as the Clean Water Act, laid the foundation for this revival. While America’s rivers are improving, it remains crucial to stay vigilant. Recent discussions around the weakening of environmental regulations highlight the ongoing risk to water quality. “If enforcement drops, we’ll slide backward,” Frisbie warned.
As swimmers lined up on Sunday, they were met by the sound of bagpipes and drums, a festive atmosphere accompanying their daring plunge. All were carefully vetted to ensure they could handle the course, and the water quality had been tested and confirmed safe.
Among the swimmers was Olivia Smoliga, an Olympic gold medalist. She described the experience as “trippy but really cool,” emphasizing the remarkable achievement of jumping into a river that had been so heavily polluted in the past.
In summary, while the Chicago River is now clean enough for swimming, it is the result of decades of dedicated effort. As more people connect with this natural resource, it’s essential to remember the lessons from the past and continue advocating for a healthy environment.
Source link
