Science & Nature
City Denies Permit for Chicago River Swim, Citing ‘Significant Safety Concerns’
(Heather B / Pexels)
The city of Chicago announced late Friday that it has denied the permit application for the Chicago River Swim, an open-water swim event planned for September.
While acknowledging the “positive nature”" of the swim, which had drawn attention to the river’s improved water quality, officials said the “proposed route and concentration of swimmers raised significant safety concerns for participants, first responders and the general public.”
The event was announced in April by organizer Doug McConnell, CEO and founder of A Long Swim, as a fundraiser for ALS research. The plan was for 500 experienced open water swimmers to tackle either a one-mile or two-mile course along the Chicago Riverwalk, kicking off at 6:45 a.m. and wrapping up by 9 a.m. on Sept. 22.
Chicago City Council members and heads of various city departments were caught by surprise, not having been notified in advance.
This had been the proposed course for Chicago River Swim. (Courtesy of Chicago River Swim)
According to a statement issued Friday by the Chicago Department of Transportation, the permit application for the swim was received by the city on June 13. It was reviewed by the Chicago Fire Department and Chicago Police Department, among others, “to identify potential conflicts, safety issues, and the availability of resources necessary to support the event,” CDOT said.
An alternative route has been offered “that allows the event to proceed while ensuring high standards of safety for all participants and the effective allocation of city resources,” CDOT added, but did not provide information on that route.
In a statement provided to WTTW News, McConnell said he was disappointed in CDOT’s decision but is hopeful his organization can address concerns and “demonstrate the strength of our comprehensive safety plan.”
“To date, we have not been able to present our detailed safety and execution plan to the permitting authority, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), nor the various city departments,” McConnell said. “We are optimistic that once we do, we will secure the necessary approvals and proceed with the event. Our goal remains to hold the swim on September 22, 2024, as scheduled.”
Contact Patty Wetli: @pattywetli | (773) 509-5623 | [email protected]
