Explore the Odds of Swimming the Mississippi River
Swimming the Mississippi River might sound like a fun, daring, adventure; certainly not every day you get to swim the second longest river on the continent. As enticing as this endeavor may sound, it is held back by numerous safety concerns and physical implications. To begin with, the fact that the Mississippi River is a powerful flowing river means that the person swimming has to contend with strong currents. Even for a well-conditioned swimmer, this incurs a much higher energy expenditure than in a calmer body of water. In addition, this endeavor could well invite a wide range of extreme weather conditions, and increase the risk of exposure and hypothermia.
Another factor when considering this task is the chemistry of the water. An abundance of chemicals used in agricultural runoff and industrial production, alongside a lack of regulation, make the waters of the Mississippi extremely toxic and unfit for swimming. Chloramine, a mixture of chlorine, ammonia, and water, is frequently used in the treatment of municipal water supplies. Apparently, while this type of water is safe for drinking, it can cause skin irritation, if not outright irritation when exposed to it. Consequently, a Mississippi river swim would require the involvement of a specialized team for monitoring, assessment, and clean up upon exiting the river.
The Mississippi River travels through 10 states, over 2,340 miles, reaching from Minnesota all the way down to Louisiana. Furthermore, it flows through some of the most populated zones in the US, brimming with heavy cargo vessels, tugs, barges and other forms of river craft. This means that the swimmer would need to always be alert and reliable for their own safety since, for some stretches of the river, the swimmer is going wear an exposed swimsuit or wetsuit. Additionally, such watercrafts could inadvertently hit the swimmer and cause serious, maybe even fatal, damage to the body.
Yet, if the idea of swimming the Mississippi River is approached with proper planning and knowledge of the risks, there are ways to still attempt this adventure safely. First of all, a group of certified medical professionals and trained navigation specialists should be assembled to monitor and chart the path of the swimmer, as well as ensure their safety. Moreover, since the swimmer will need to traverse multiple state bodies, federal as well as state permits must be issued, and access to essential safety gear and buoys are required. In addition, there is no point in attempting the full length, one should look into shorter, more manageable lengths.
Preparation and Training
Before attempting to swim the Mississippi River, one must be properly conditioned. This requires understanding the physical and physiological demands of the challenge, and a rigorous training program to prepare oneself. This may include swimming and cardiovascular exercises, as well as instruction on open water and river safety. Additionally, a consultation of experts in cold-weather swimming and hypothermia should also be included. Furthermore, to increase the success rate for a mission of this magnitude, strength training specifically for river swimming may also be necessary.
The swimmer must also assess their equipment, from the swimming suit to the floatation device. Assembling the right gear can be just as important as the conditioning of the swimmer, since some items might not be suitable for such an endeavor or even illegal for use in some states. Moreover, due to the onslaught of strong currents, the swimmer must be adapted to performing quick, efficient turns.
The most important thing when preparing for a Mississippi River swim is to inform oneself on the odds of success and failure. No matter how well the swimmer is conditioned and equipped, there are still numerous risks present in such a venture. An awareness of these potentials perils and the vast range of safety measures that must be taken can thus be a determining factor at the end of the day.
Navigation strategies along the Mississippi River should be tailored to the journey distance, the skill level of the swimmer, weather conditions, and the amount of water traffic. It is therefore recommended that one begin by becoming familiar with the environment and the course of the Mississippi River. One may be able to accomplish this through the use of maps or exploration of the areas beforehand. Then, planning for navigation along the river should be done ahead of time and include tasks such as route mapping, cycle planning, and finding a reliable motorboat for assistance.
Next, navigation along the Mississippi River must account for safety hazards. This includes obstacles such as strong currents, unexpected weather, and boat traffic. It is important to remember that Mississippi River is one of the busiest rivers in the world, with around 10 million tons of cargo traveling along it annually. Therefore, the swimmer must make sure to stay away from the main channels and navigate around islands and sand bars.
Furthermore, when swimming longer distances, such as the entire length of the Mississippi, it is critical to consider the potential of fatigue. Mapping the right course and distance can reduce the swimmer’s overall fatigue and risk of injury. Choosing a route that has ample rest stops is a great way to reduce the chance of physical and mental strain.
Reception and Acceptance
Swimming the Mississippi River could be seen by some as a thrill-seeking escapade, yet it is best to maintain a levelheaded approach and treat the river with the utmost respect. Since the river flows through 10 US states, some of the laws might not be in favor of such an endeavor. This means that although there are still various areas with no regulations, the swimmer must adhere to the permit regulations and environmental guidelines, with the knowledge that it is still a difficult swim in all aspects.
Many stakeholders have expressed mixed feelings about the idea of swimming the Mississippi River. On one hand, there are those worried about safety issues, water quality, and increased regulation of the river if it is attempted. On the other hand, some see this activity as a great opportunity to promote the local communities of the river and open the river up to more recreational activities. No matter which side you are on, all opinions are valid, the wisdom lies in coming to an understanding of all consensus.
Infrastructural Developments
Over the last decade, the Mississippi River system has undergone great improvements in terms of preventing potential river pollution. The US Army Corps of Engineers designed a wide range of infrastructural developments known as “River Renewal”, for the purpose of decontaminating the water. This includes the implementation of specialized filters and monitoring systems, the removal of nutrient and chemical levels that create algal blooms, and the introduction of natural shorelines in rivers and opening up of the riverbanks.
In addition, the US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Geological Survey now works in tandem with businesses and communities to research new techniques for water treatment and pollution prevention. This, along with initiatives such as the “Clean Water Act”, have greatly decreased the amount of pollutants entering the Mississippi River and avert the potential for a further deterioration of the river water.
At the same time, various campaigns are being organized to promote the issue of environmental responsibility and better resource management. Here, several educational activities, workshops and conferences are encouraged to sensitize people about the importance of the Mississippi River and increase their knowledge concerning water conservation.
Multiple Environmental Challenges
Apart from water pollution, the Mississippi River faces myriad environmental challenges. Excessive erosion of the banks, silt deposits and sedimentation are just a few of the threats caused by the disturbance of the environment. Additionally, the River is partially composed of a mix of urban and agricultural waste, creating an immensely dangerous cocktail of pollutants that accumulates in the water as it rushes downstream.
Further still, the excessive use of pesticides and runoff from other sources is also to blame for the degradation of the environment. Furthermore, projects such as drainage of the river wetlands, levee construction and navigation activities can also contribute to the disruption of the balance of Mississippi wildlife.
Pollutants are usually washed out of the water by natural methods, but the rate of their removal varies from place to place. To ensure that these processes work optimally, a number of treatment plants have been constructed at various points throughout the river. These plants contain various filtration and purification systems that help limit the amount of chemicals and debris that reaches the various ecosystems.
A Reputation for Enduring the Unendurable
The Mississippi River has long been known for its resilience and capacity to survive powerful floods and droughts. From floods that occurred in 2011 and 2017 to the summer heat of New Orleans, the river has seen it all. As a result, local communities have developed a great deal of respect and admiration for this enduring waterway. This admiration can be seen in the monuments, literature and songs that continue to celebrate the river today.
In addition, the river has been used as a source of inspiration for generations of writers. Writers such as Mark Twain and William Faulkner have described the Mississippi River as a force of nature that reveals the complicated beauty of nature. Furthermore, the immense importance of the river to the nation is also evident in the amount of time and money that has been spent on restoring the river to its former glory.
The Mississippi River continues to remind us of its ability to both withstand and accommodate us. It retains the potential of many activities, some that are new and others that are now only memories. Swimming the Mississippi River is an exciting, if not treacherous, endeavor that can only be undertaken by the bravest of individuals.
