Is it safe to swim in the East River?
Posted on Feb 24, 2026 / Travel
Most people are curious if you can swim in the East River, but the short answer is that it’s not recommended and often prohibited by local rules. The water quality still isn’t consistently safe for swimming because of pollution and sewage discharges after heavy rains. Strong tidal currents and lots of boat traffic make swimming dangerous even for strong swimmers. There are also submerged hazards like debris and rocks under the surface. Though the river’s water has cleaned up over the decades, these risks remain serious. There are no official, regularly monitored swimming areas with lifeguards or safety checks. For safe water fun in NYC summers, beaches or public pools are way better options.
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