Plans for the first “free swim” in the Chicago River in nearly a century have hit a snag after the city denied a permit application for the event.
The event is planned by the group A Long Swim for Sept. 22 to benefit ALS research. The city denied the group’s permit application, saying the proposed course raises safety concerns for those involved and the general public.
“While the City of Chicago recognizes the positive nature of the “A Long Swim” open water swimming event in the Chicago River, the proposed route and concentration of swimmers have raised significant safety concerns for participants, first responders and the general public,” the city said in a statement through spokeswoman Erica Schroeder.
With about 500 swimmers, the event aims to honor the progress made in reducing pollution in the river now that it is at its cleanest level on record and to provide funds for youth swimming programs, the event website says.
“As proud Chicagoans, we want to boldly showcase our city’s growth and change some of its misconceptions,” the website reads.
The city offered swimmers an alternate route, in accordance with the city’s ordinance for such permits. It’s unclear where the original swim was planned or where the alternate route would take place.
A representative for A Long Swim did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
