Swimmable Cities is a global partnership, consisting of experts who’re determined to make sure everyone can enjoy their right to swim – all while honouring and respecting nature. The swimmable cities alliance is supporting the growth of a global, grassroots movement for transforming urban waterways. Faaiza Akbor finds out more.
Published:
06.05.2025
Writer:
Faaiza Akbor
How does it work?
Cities are aiming to make rivers, canals and waterways in their communities swimmable.
This is achieved by making them clean enough to swim in safely: monitoring the quality of water, initiating wastewater treatment systems and encouraging community engagement in improving and maintaining clean waterways.
Where has it come from?
The movement originated from Europe, beginning in Copenhagen and Berlin. Both cities had polluted rivers and ports that have now been transformed into clean, swimmable waterways.
Since then, it’s become an international movement to achieve clean waterways all over the world.
The formation of an international Steering Group in February 2024 sparked after the Swimmable Cities handbook was published by Regeneration Projects.
The steering group consists of notable names such as: Tim Edler, founder of Flussbad Berlin; Sybille van der Walt, president of Metz Ville d’Eau; Matt Sykes, founder and chief executive of Regeneration Projects; Ana Mumladze, convenor of the Pan-European Urban Bathing Network and Chris Romer, co-founder and CEO of Thames Baths.
Will it catch on?
Cities from all over the world are joining, from Washington D.C to New York City and Sydney.
So far, there have been signatories from 72 cities and towns, and 27 countries. Cities around the world are joining the movement, with municipalities including Netherlands’ City of Rotterdam, Melbourne’s City of Yarra, Maryland’s City of Annapolis and many others signed up to the Charter proper (you can view the full list and download the Charter here).
Why’s it relevant?
In July 2024, Swimmable Cities launched its new charter – ten principles aimed at empowering experts in policy development, public health and much more.
Their goals highlight the importance of swimmable cities:
1. Everybody has the right to swim
Everyone should have access to safe, healthy water.
2. One health, many swimmers
Swimmable waterways are aiming to promote community health and wellbeing.
3. Urban swimming culture
Swimming in cities is a unique way to experience distinct sports, culture and communities in that given place.
4. Water is sacred
Urban swimming should celebrate waterways as living entities and therefore the water should be taken care of and respected.
5. Rewriting the rules
Challenge the accepted conventions and practices of water pollution and industrial uses.
6. Democratic participation in swimming places
Communities should have a say in where swimming places are located.
7. Reconnection and resilience
Communities should strive to be resilient and are urged to reconnect with their waterways.
8. New economic opportunities
Swimming places can create new economic opportunities, financially benefiting the community.
9. Sharing well benefits, culture and knowledge
Communities should share the benefits of swimming, be knowledgeable of water and ecological growth.
10. Stewardship
Communities should care for waterways for current and future generations.
For more information, head to their website: swimmablecities.org
