Story perspectives

Chicago River Swim Returns After 100 Years: Safety First!

9/21/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Chicago River Swim is set for Sunday, Sept. 21, the first of its kind in nearly a century.
It begins at 7:00 a.m. and spans a 2-mile route beneath iconic bridges from Dearborn Street to Clark Street.
The event celebrates environmental progress and supports ALS research and swim safety education.
City approval followed previous permit denials due to safety concerns.
A safety program, including real-time water quality monitoring, will be implemented, with organizers ready to cancel or postpone if standards are not met.

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Story summary

The Chicago River Swim is set for Sunday, Sept. 21, the first of its kind in nearly a century.
It begins at 7:00 a.m. and spans a 2-mile route beneath iconic bridges from Dearborn Street to Clark Street.
The event celebrates environmental progress and supports ALS research and swim safety education.
City approval followed previous permit denials due to safety concerns.
A safety program, including real-time water quality monitoring, will be implemented, with organizers ready to cancel or postpone if standards are not met.