The Mississippi River is the second-longest river in the United States and what’s more impressive, it is the world’s fourth longest river system. Starting in Minnesota, it moves south until it empties into the Gulf of Mexico. Most people think swimming in it is impossible due to a variety of reasons such as heavy currents, dangerous debris and pollution. Yet, a growing number of people have taken up the challenge, making attempts to traverse the majestic river.
One of the most notable attempts of swimming across the entire river was made by Tom Notch, an American endurance swimmer. His mission was to promote awareness of conservation along riverways. In 2014, the swimmer managed to make it across the Mississippi, swimming an astonishing 2,552 miles in a timespan of 78 days! For Weeks at a time, Notch would alternate between swimming, floating and walking along the riverbanks depending on the current and the water depth. It was a true relay between himself and a group of volunteers, who followed him in a support boat and provided him with food and rest.
Despite the historic success of Notch’s mission, swimming the Mississippi has yet to become a mainstream activity for recreational swimmers. Most of those who had tried to tackle the epic challenge gave up and there are few records of success. The river often carries a dangerous cocktail of chemical runoff, cheap industrial products and other hazardous materials; posing a health hazard to swimmers. Strong currents and a dearth of public access points also create difficulties for swimmers, especially those looking to traverse its full length. The fact that much of the river is heavily commercialized, with a plethora of large barges, is another hurdle that makes such a voyage risky.
In spite of the dangers and the obstacles, more swimmers are still attempting to swim the Mississippi. Over the years, a number of individuals have registered their attempts to the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame, ranging from lone-wolf adventurers to professional athletes. For example, Ricky Fine, a successful ultramarathon runner, joined forces with American Aqua-Blazers, a nonprofit organization, to accomplish the feat. The project marked the first ever documented successful swim from the Mississippi’s sources to its mouth. However, Fine and the Aqua-blazers had the advantage of thousands of miles of shoreline access, the support of several boats, and the help of professional crews, something that Notch had to manage without.
Even with such vast resources, the American aqua-blazers encountered a number of different security issues along the way. They were stopped multiple times by law enforcement agencies, even as they were occasionally straying away from the banks and swimming in the channel. On other occasions, large barges disrupted the channel by discharging contaminated materials just meters away from the swimmers.
While swimming the Mississippi River is a title not many can claim, it stands as an inspiring symbol of courage and perseverance regardless of any success or failure. This once-in-a-lifetime adventure is a grueling test of physical ability, psychological fortitude and individual courage for any daring spirit.
River Legends
Only a handful of people have attempted to swim the length of the Mississippi River since the days of its few earliest pioneers. The river bears a special kind of admiration and respect among the few swimmers who gathered the courage to attempt it. Each of them has their own story to tell.
Perhaps the most inspiring story is of Paul Hartshorn, who started out with a small project of swimming the Red River of the North and turned it into a two-year, two thousand-mile adventure along the Mississippi. On his journey, the river took Paul through nine states and over fifty cities, forcing him to face unpredictable obstacles like strong currents and moving barges. He made a point of connecting with rural communities, conserving energy and nature resources, and raising awareness about pollution.
Gary Ellis is another person who deserves recognition for his swim. He is the only person ever to have swum the full length of the Mississippi solo, and his journey took him over three months, spanning over 2,300 miles. Ellis swam for 12 hours every day, and he was never accompanied by a boat. Thoroughly exhausted by the evening, he would commandeer a place to sleep on a barge or a sand bank. He followed the natural flow of the river, and made sure to swim in a single direction, south.
Not only have such incredible river legends been setting an example for future swimmers, they have also been inspiring environmental conservation efforts across the country. They are becoming symbols of courage and dedication, and demonstrating the potential of individual action.
The Impact of Mississippi Swimming
The impact of these swimmers’ attempt to traverse the Mississippi River has been felt all across the country, both on the local and the federal levels. From inspiring local community efforts to conservation and raising awareness, these swimmers have had a lasting effect in the way people see rivers.
At a local level, the individual swims have inspired a new kind of awareness in the people living on the banks of the river. Communities are being driven to take an active role in preserving their local river environment. Public cleanups, target programs, student-run conservation projects and local conservation education centers are just some of the initiatives directly attributable to the example set by these marathon swimmers. They have been able to set a bold example for the individual and collective power to make a change.
At a federal level, the success of the Mississippi swimmers has prompted lawmakers to continue pushing for reforms in local and national water conservation policies. One of the swimmers, Karen Glaser, used her accomplishments to influence legislation that would encourage clean river practices, designed to protect the historic character of the Mississippi.
The example of the swimmers has spread far and wide, resonating with people from all walks of life who have been inspired to make their own contributions to conservation. The courage and strength of those who have stayed strong in the face of a great danger act as a reminder of how far the human spirit can go.
Technical Challenges of Swimming the Mississippi
Perhaps one of the most daunting challenges that swimmers of the Mississippi have to face are the technical ones. Unpredictable and strong currents can be extremely hard to manage and forecast. Low water levels make it difficult to determine the water flow and visibility, making navigation complicated. Add to this the fact that the channel is filled with large cargo vessels, tankers, and other boats, makes it even more complex.
The water quality plays an important role as well. Runoffs from factories, cities and farms filled the waters with various dangerous chemicals and pollutants. Swimmers travelling along the full length of the river are at risk of coming into contact with these substances and suffer from severe health implications as a result.
These technical challenges have proposed an extra set of assurance measures for swimmers. Before an individual even considers taking on the challenge of swimming the Mississippi River, they need to ensure that they have the proper preparation, equipment and resources to do so safely. They need proper wetsuits, water shoes, and life vests, as well as knowledge of the river and its conditions, key safety procedures, and supplemental supplies like food and equipment. Experienced guides and knowledgeable boat captains can assist them in navigating the waters safely.
The Representation of the Mississippi
Over the years, the Mississippi River has come to represent different things to different people. To some it’s a highway, to some it’s an infinite source of energy, to some it’s a meeting place of cultures. It’s also claimed a new meaning in recent years, since it has become somewhat of a symbol of bravery and a daring attempt that only a few have managed to conquer.
Not only has the Mississippi been inspiring stories of conquest, it has also been inspiring stories of conservation and environmental protection. Over the last two decades, the influences of those few who attempted to swim the length of the Mississippi have led to a nationwide campaign of support and awareness.
The attempt to make the full-length swim is a difficult task, to say the least. From experiencing isolation from the world and sudden changes in water temperature to managing dangerous obstacles along the way, these swimmers have pushed their mental and physical boundaries every day.
Social Challenges
For many, swimming the Mississippi is not only a challenge, but also a chance to connect with the people living along its banks. Swimmers can find out about recreational areas, camping sites, local attractions, and communities. They even connect with passionate conservationists, scientists and individual activists working to better the environment of the river.
Yet despite the potential for community connections, there are still challenges associated with being a marathon swimmer in the Mississippi. One of the most significant is the misconception around who can swim and why. Despite the trailblazing of swimmers like Tom Notch, Gary Ellis and Paul Hartshorn, most of the people living along the banks still don’t understand and accept swimmers, misconstruing them as criminals and a threat.
Harassment is a common issue that these swimmers have to face. There are cases where local law enforcement has blocked swimmers from continuing their journey. Fear of encountering law enforcement is one of the reasons why many choose to keep a low profile during their journey and avoid being seen in public areas or in front of businesses.
Apart from the occasional harassment from local authorities, swimmers have also had to face challenges from the nature itself. For example, police officers in Memphis threatened to arrest a swimmer due to dangerous waters and fast currents. Wild animals, such as alligators, can also pose a serious risk for anyone who doesn’t know how to handle them.
The Future of the Mississippi Swimming
Despite the challenges faced by those who have attempted to complete the swim, the spirit of determination to swim the Mississippi remains alive. People continue to take up the challenge as a way to explore the world, push their limits, and raise awareness of conservation.
In recent years, plenty of swimmers have taken up the challenge. They come from different backgrounds and places, all in pursuit of a once-in-a-lifetime experience. There are those who try the swim for documentary purposes, those who do it for recreation, to observe environmental changes, and those who do it for a higher cause.
Although Mississippi River swimming does not have an official governing body or regulatory commission, there are some organizations that promote responsible river exploration and provide guidance to those interested and willing to take on the challenge. Organizations like the Mississippi River Rowing Club, Paddle Mississippi and the American Swimming Association provide tips for swimmers, create a community for them, and work closely with those who have experienced the river.
The Mississippi River has grown from a source of physical and psychological strength to a source of motivation, inspiration, and conservation. It has come to symbolize strength and courage, and the potential of individual action. As long as these inspiring river legends continue to dream and build a personal story of success, there will be those daring enough to attempt it.
