NYC SWIM

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I wear a wetsuit?

Whether or not to wear a wetsuit is up to you. Since wetsuits are quite different than traditional swimsuits, it is a good idea to take a practice swim (such as in a pool) while wearing the suit to help ensure you know how it feels. Taking a practice swim in water of a similar temperature to what you might experience on race day might also help you make a decision. Please be sure to read our Swim Attire and Wetsuit Policy.

What happens to my personal belongings once I get in the water?

At swimmer check-in, you may also check a bag of personal belongings to be transported to race finish for you. You should bring an inexpensive bag and leave your valuables at home. NYC Swim is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

What is the status of this year's swim given the North River Treatment Plant fire?

UPDATE Monday (7/25/2011): Almost There

Late this afternoon, the DEP released its testing data for Sunday in the Harbor/River, and the numbers improved a great deal. Specifically for all 11 test areas, the enterococcus was well within the safe parameters and, if applicable, would allow for all the areas permitted beaches to be open. The worst test result was 20, where the normal monthly avg result is less than 35.

The fecal coliform tests also showed great deal improvement, and now all areas all safe for Fishing/Boating. However, the numbers are still not there yet for swimming. 4 of the 11 test zones are swimable and probably by tomorrow evening all 11 test zones will be swimable.

The Hudson from the Treatment Facility north tested well. The location which had the worst results during the entire period (Pier A) has improved by 1222% & should be safe once Tuesday's results are in (posted Wednesday evening).

Restrictions are slowly being lifted on the Hudson, the first announced by Westchester County earlier today. More restrictions are expected to be lifted tomorrow & Wednesday. The government agencies are moving cautiously, which we support. We feel confident by Thursday afternoon we will receive the all clear.

Many have questioned the impact of today's rains on the water quality. Most likely, based on the historical results, fecal coliform numbers will improve faster with the current rainfall as it has a dilutive impact. As long as the Treatment Facility remains online, the water quality will be back to normal and the Brooklyn Bridge swim will go on as planned. Thank you Mother Nature!

On Wednesday, July 20, a large fire damaged the North River Treatment Plant (aka Riverbank) on the Hudson River in West Harlem. The DEP is working aggressively to address the situation at the site and throughout the sewage treatment system, however as of 11:30 a.m. on Thursday morning, personnel were still unable to enter the damaged area of the plant. The Hudson, East and Harlem Rivers are now off-limits to human contact – including sailing, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and other recreational activities.

NYC Swim remains in close contact with DEP officials, and they are proceeding as quickly as they can while prioritizing human safety at the site of the fire. DEP is planning special tests specifically related to the July 30 Brooklyn Bridge Swim. Due to the amount of resources being devoted to this, we are hopeful that the situation will be improved quickly, so we are not foreseeing a cancellation as of now. However, if the outflows are not stopped by late Tuesday or early Wednesday of next week, then the Brooklyn Bridge Swim will not be able to take place.

If people were waiting to enroll and now are hesitant, please be advised that we will not be implementing the final rate increase as scheduled next week, so you can wait to decide whether to sign up for the remaining few spots without a financial penalty. We also encourage participants to sign up for a team (see our FAQ for instructions).

We remain extremely hopeful the plant will be brought online and have been impressed by the efforts made by all of the various agencies working on the situation, especially the DEP. More information is available on our Facebook page and on the DEP site.

If the bacteria levels remain unsatisfactory, we would follow our normal cancellation policy, which calls for participants to receive a 50% credit toward a future race this season or next. Again, we’re hopeful that we will be able to hold the event without any health concerns, and we will be in touch with participants either way next week.

Where are the best viewing opportunities for the Brooklyn Bridge Swim?

Spectators often wonder where they should position themselves for the best view of an event. For some of our swims, you can manage to see the beginning, middle and end of an event, walking (or jogging) along as the swimmers make their way from start to finish. Not so with this year's Brooklyn Bridge Swim. Since the swim crosses the river much more directly than the closest bridges and subways, it's practically impossible to see both the start and the finish in real time. We recommend spectators hang out at the finish to greet and congratulate their swimmers as they step back onto dry land, then take advantage of the many social venues available in lower Manhattan after the race.