Can You Swim Across The Mississippi River in New Orleans?
New Orleans, Louisana, is a vibrant Southern city steeped in a distinctive culture, cuisine and Creole language. While the state is known for its lowlands, its ports and its rivers – particularly The Mississippi – the costs and challenges associated with swimming across the Mississippi River from one side to another might not be widely known.
The Mississippi River is the second-longest river in the United States, at over 2,350 miles in length, and is the longest river historically befitting the area. Over the decades, the river has seen increasing levels of human activity, and since its acquisition as part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, humans have altered the course of the Mississippi River several times, creating channels and canals, altering the environment and making it a dangerous place to swim anywhere alongside the river. While some areas, like New Orleans, have swimming pools near the river, swimming in the river itself presents immense difficulty in terms of both safety and, especially in the New Orleans area, logistical issues.
The water quality of the Mississippi River is greatly impacted by city runoff, industrial waste, fertilizer, agricultural runoff and sewage, as well as chemicals deposited in the river during the decades of lead mining in southeastern Minnesota. As a result, the water in the Mississippi is highly polluted and a unsuitable environment for people to swim in. This pollution, combined with the presence of levees along the edge of the river in many areas, makes it nearly impossible for the average person to swim their way across the river in New Orleans.
In addition, the volume of water flowing in the Mississippi River can vary drastically from place to place. This can make crossing the river even more difficult. Several areas along the Mississippi have strong currents, making swimming across it even more dangerous. This combined with the presence of other hazards such as fallen trees, ships and other debris makes the crossing of the Mississippi a very difficult and potentially deadly endeavor.
Professional swimmers, however, have managed to successfully swim across the Mississippi at various points in the past. In 2016, professional long distance swimmer Lewis Pugh completed a daring swim across the treacherous waters of the Mississippi in an effort to raise awareness of the river. Pugh’s journey was supported by a team of navigation specialists and swift water rescue personnel, providing a degree of safety and support not available to most anyone else.
The fact that professional swimmers are capable of tackling the Mississippi River should not be taken as an endorsement for others to attempt such a feat. The Mississippi River is an unpredictable and dangerous beast, and swimming across it can easily turn fatal. If a person is determined to attempt a swim, they should know the river, and the associated risk, better than anyone else.
Harnessing the Mississippi’s Current to Make the Swim
There are several strategies that skilled swimmers can use to harness the Mississippi’s current and make it easier — or at least safer — to swim across. This can include swimming in a “V” formation, or positioning oneself in the water to make use of the current and aim for a given destination.
Professional swimmers can also make use of specialized swimming gear specifically designed for open water swimming. While a standard pair of goggles might help improve visibility, special goggles and wetsuits can protect from the river’s toxins and the extreme temperature conditions of the Mississippi River. There is also the use of swimbuoys, which are buoyant devices meant to draw attention to the swimmer in order to make it easier for potential rescuers to locate them.
Swimming across the Mississippi River is an immense challenge, and not to be taken lightly. New Orleans is a city of joviality and celebration, however, when it comes to the mighty Mississippi, the dangers need to be taken seriously. Swimming in it is risky, regardless of the professional credentials of the swimmer, and ill-advised for all but the most experienced swimmers.
Keeping People and Wildlife Safe
The dangers of swimming across the Mississippi River are not only limited to the swimmers themselves, but also to the other living creatures in the river. Many species of wildlife rely on the Mississippi River for their habitats and sustenance, and sudden changes in the water’s temperature, current and depth can be devastating for the river’s fragile ecosystems.
The U.S. Coast Guard is tasked with protecting the river and its inhabitants, including humans. In addition to enforcing safety laws surrounding swimming in the Mississippi River, the U.S. Coast Guard also provides information on the best ways to stay safe while participating in recreational water activities in the area. The Coast Guard also conducts regular river patrols to survey and enforce river laws, which help to keep both wildlife and people safe.
The most important assurance of safety while swimming in the Mississippi River, is to seek professional help from experienced water safety experts. Before attempting to swim across the river, it is wise to discuss the endeavor with an experienced lifeguard or open water swimming expert, who can provide valuable guidance on safety and proper preparation.
Additionally, anyone looking to swim across the Mississippi should gain knowledge about local regulations, river navigation rules, safety resources and access points. Professional swimmers should make sure that their endeavors benefit their own safety, that their goals align with the principles of conservation and sustainability, and that their journey does not endanger the delicate conservation and oceanic lifestyle of the communities and wildlife living in the river.
Staying Safe with Lifejackets
Anyone looking to swim across the Mississippi River should make sure to invest in a lifejacket. A lifejacket can provide peace of mind and it will provide extra buoyancy which is critical in situations where a swimmer is in trouble or in need of assistance. A lifejacket is an important piece of safety equipment and can be a key factor in the successful outcome of a long swim across a fast-moving body of water like the Mississippi.
Swimming across the Mississippi is incredibly taxing. Even for the most experienced swimmers, it is important to make sure that you are fully prepared for the journey, and that you do not overestimate your physical capabilities. Signs of fatigue or shallow breathing are signals to take a break and reach for a lifejacket, if one is available. Additionally, the use of a floating device, commonly known as a “tug”, could help to increase the swimmer’s confidence and reduce their susceptibility to fatigue.
Ultimately, no amount of swimming aids can guarantee safety in the open waters of the Mississippi. A lifejacket can help, but the most important factor in the success of an open water swim is the swimmer’s awareness and knowledge of the water and its many risks. Skilled swimmers should always take the time to properly research the best routes and study the local water conditions. Even under the best of circumstances, it is important to be prepared for unexpected changes in conditions while swimming in the unpredictable waters of the mighty Mississippi.
Working with Local Agencies to Keep Yourself and the River Safe
Anyone looking to tackle the Mississippi River should also make sure to look for other local sources for helpful advice and regulations. Local conservation agencies, for example, can often provide detailed information about the river, including information about its depth, water quality, and local regulations. These agencies can provide additional guidance on the topic of river swimming, such as areas to avoid, how to arrange a swim, and what equipment and safety precautions to take.
Organizations such as the Lower Mississippi Riverkeeper, for example, are an excellent resource for swimmers and prospective swimmers in the Mississippi River area, providing updated information and advice with regard to safety and the environment. The organization works in partnership with other conservation agencies, local communities and state agencies to promote the preservation and protection of the Mississippi River and its many ecosystems.
The Coast Guard also provides helpful information and regulations when it comes to swimming in the Mississippi, as well as in other areas of the United States. The U.S. Coast Guard can provide detailed safety guidelines and advice, navigation information, and an overview of local regulations, in addition to providing additional details on their own local enforcement operations.
The Mississippi River is a vast and powerful body of water, but with the proper knowledge and preparation, it can be a safe playground for experienced swimmers. Before taking the plunge, however, it is wise to take the time to understand the river, its conditions, and any associated risks.
Progressing with Proper Planning
The Mississippi river can be a thrilling adventure for those who approach it with caution and respect. Swimmers should study the conditions of the Mississippi and ensure that they have all the proper safety equipment before embarking on their journey. Professional swimmers should focus on their capabilities and make sure that their swims take place in areas with the most favorable conditions and least hazards.
In addition to having the proper equipment and knowledge, swimmers should also be equipped with the right attitude. It takes a determined individual to survive a swim across the Mississippi River and ultimately, having a positive outlook and clear mindset are essential at every step of the way.
For swimmers in the Mississippi River area, respect for nature and safety should also be taken into consideration. The Mississippi River is full of history and wonderful creatures and habitats. Therefore, it is important that any activity undertaken in the river is done in a sustainable way, and that it respects the natural environment and its fellow inhabitants.
The Mississippi River is an awe-inspiring beast that should be handled with care. With the right safety measures and the proper knowledge, swimming in the river can be an unforgettable journey providing amazing views and lessons in itself, as well as a glimpse of the natural wonder of one of the oldest rivers on Earth.
