The Charles River Conservancy (CRC) and Charles River Swimming Club (CRSC), in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), are proud to announce the Charles River Swimming Day on June 18. The public is invited to participate in the 11th Annual One Mile Swim and the 6th Annual City Splash that day at the DCR’s Fiedler Dock on the Esplanade in Boston, MA. A rain date is planned for June 19, 2022. Join the CRC in the evening for an afterparty at Owl’s Nest on the Esplanade.
Both events return after being canceled during the pandemic and will be held on the same day for the first time ever. “We’re so excited to bring these signature events back to the Charles River to celebrate river swimming and strengthen community connections to this important resource,” said CRC Executive Director Laura Jasinski. “We believe everyone should have access to the Charles to cool off on a hot summer day and we are working to make that a reality. We’ll also be highlighting other ways for community members to beat the heat safely in the summer until that day comes.”
Registration for both events fills up quickly and attracts environmental leaders and advocates in
addition to community members. “I have treasured my connection to the Conservancy for a long time, from serving on the board to joining previous City Splash events,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I’m looking forward to this year’s City Splash and seeing so many enjoy the beautiful Charles River and Esplanade.”
The one-mile swim has been a favorite for local endurance athletes. “The one-mile race is the only opportunity for competitive swimming in the Charles, and it’s one of the only open water swim races that takes place in Boston,” said CRSC Race Director & President Kate Radville. “Onemile swim registrants get to appreciate iconic views of the Boston skyline at a special location in the heart of the city. We’re looking forward to our eleventh race this year.”
Swimming in the Charles is only possible through a DCR Special Use Permit. The events reflect the agency’s goals to promote safe swimming and use of waterfront resources. Underscored by the COVID-19 pandemic, the health and happiness of people across Massachusetts depend on the accessibility and quality of green infrastructure. DCR continues to improve the vital connection between people and the environment by partnering with groups like the CRC and CRSC, recently increasing opportunities for swim safety by funding swim lessons through the new Safe Water Initiative Massachusetts (SWIM). “The Baker-Polito Administration relies on strong partnerships with stakeholders like the Charles River Conservancy and the Charles River Swimming Club to promote health and wellness to the residents of Massachusetts through recreational activities,” said DCR Acting Commissioner Stephanie Cooper. “The annual Charles River Swimming Day provides a unique opportunity to swim in the Charles River while highlighting the importance of swim safety.”