On July 21st, 68 master swimmers had the unique opportunity to participate in the first organized swimming event in the Charles in over 50 years. The Charles River Master Swim Race made history, riveting local and national attention and attesting to successful efforts to improve water quality by groups including the EPA and Charles River Watershed Association.

Prior to the event, race organizers anxiously awaited test results indicating the swim would have to be canceled due to unacceptable levels of blue-green algae. Test taken the day before the race, however, showed water was well within permissible limits for swimmers to jump in.

At the starter’s gun, swimmers set out on a one-mile triangular course from the Esplanade dock. Hundreds of spectators were on hand, including numerous media representatives.

Especially notable were efforts of race organizers Frans Lawaetz and Ulla Hester of the Charles River Swimming Club, (www.charlesriverswimmingclub.org) whose spirit and leadership ensured the event ran smoothly. Working with Frans and Ulla, the Conservancy helped publicize the race and the possibility of future swimming for all.

State Representative Alice Wolf, an impassioned advocate of river swimming, presented winners with medals. Wolf is the sponsor of the “Swimmable Charles” bill now moving though the legislature.

Three network television stations, plus numerous local papers, the Boston Globe and even The New York Times gave coverage to what by any measure was a historic event.

See also history of swimming in the Charles River.

Photos by Anna Grichting for the Charles River Conservancy.
Click on any image to see a full-size version.