Chicago Denies Permit for First Open-Water Swim in River in Nearly 100 Years

Jul 13, 2024, 02:36 PM

City officials in Chicago have denied a permit for an open-water swimming event in the Chicago River, citing significant safety concerns. The event, named 'A Long Swim,' was scheduled for September 22 and aimed to benefit ALS research. This would have been the first open-water swim in the Chicago River in nearly 100 years. Officials highlighted concerns about the proposed route and the concentration of swimmers as the primary reasons for the denial.