Nude swimming, or skinny dipping, is the practice of bathing naked, whether in natural bodies of water, in swimming pools, or in hot tubs.. 15 of our favorite local date spots for the outdoor romantic, Watch: The Potomac River fuels Olympic dreams, Fighting the invaders: what you can do to combat invasive fish, Staff Picks: 6 Books to Read by the River. and Loudoun County, Va. Cars line up on a ramp to load onto the vessel, which follows a wire cable to the other side of the Potomac. For those of us that love to learn, here are six of our favorite non-fiction works that celebrate the wildlife, waters, and wonders of the Potomac Watershed and beyond. You can book a tubing trip on the Shenandoah or the Potomac River and decide whether you want a relaxing flat water float or an adventurous white water exploration. The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. Trees and other large debris can lurk just below the water's surface and pose serious danger to those in the river. It gives you pause. The answer is - it is and it isn’t. The CFR Restriction (“Bathing, swimming, or wading”). Swimming or wading is legally restricted in the Potomac River by entering the River (a) though any National Capital Region Park (via CFR) and (b) in most areas between Great Falls and the Maryland/Washington, D.C. line (via COMAR). However, are these signs properly conveying the operative law in Maryland for the Potomac River? But you look at the Potomac, and it has just two major dams, way up in the West Virginia highlands, and one levee, at Georgetown Harbour. A subreddit for those living in and visiting Washington, DC and the immediate surrounding area. 10 local places to splash, swim, and keep cool this summer. Nearly every year, there are drowning accidents in this stretch of the river. We are utilizing the Virginia standards because they are more protective of public health for individuals swimming or otherwise in primary contact with the water than Maryland’s standards. WILD SWIMMING - THE LEGAL SIDE . The region’s leading clean water advocate, fighting to ensure the Potomac River boasts clean drinking water, healthy lands, and connected communities. . . It's a common question we hear from concerned folks in the Washington, DC area. A riverside scavenger hunt suitable for all ages! Accordingly, the COMAR makes the following restriction: “A person may not enter the Potomac River for the purpose of recreational use” in the following two areas: (a) from “200 yards above the crest of Aqueduct Dam to . That sounds strange, but it’s time to clear up a few points and to provide tips to make your summer cool. Both organizations, Rock Creek Conservancy, and their volunteers conduct extensive hands-on activities to improve our rivers. Now you, along with the abundant wildlife that calls the mountain home, can enjoy its vast acres of uninterrupted forest, unimpeded river views, clear streams, and rare wildflowers. Kayak Photo credit © William MacFarland, courtesy of MacFarlandPhoto.net. Nearly every year, there are drowning accidents in this stretch of the river. Plus find out how one organization is using their overabundance to do good. Like … Nearly every year, there are drowning accidents in this stretch of the river. Glancing down, you see a plastic bag half buried in the sand. However, swimming or wading in any section of the Potomac River is not illegal when the individual (1) is “wearing” a PFD while involved with a “vessel” and (2) is “associated with a vessel” (vessel includes kayaks, canoes, and multiple-chambered rafts). George Washington could have built his home anywhere on the Eastern Seaboard. 1 . Assuming you're at a stretch of river where it is legal to swim (always check! Check out the Washington Post's interactive mapto view the deadly hazards that lurk in these waters. If it has rained in the past three days, and the water looks brown or murky, then it is best to avoid touching local waterways. . Is Swimming Illegal in the Potomac River? Genuinely useful tips for getting outside this winter. These pipes are in the process of getting fixed, but before they are, wait out the overflow aftermath. Thus, entering the Potomac River for “[b]athing, swimming, or wading” from any National Capital Region Park (which includes the C&O Canal and Great Falls Park) is restricted. In fact, Longman & Van Grack attorney Adam Van Grack has not only represented sports and recreation entities, but has also been a member of the boards of several sports safety and Olympic training nonprofits. Bethesda, MD 20817 After strong storms, drainage and sewage pipes in and around Washington, DC can overflow. "Is it safe to swim in the Potomac River?". The water will be pumped from the river, when there is an excess of flow, to an old rock quarry. Streamside Scavenger Hunt: Can you find these flowers? When will there be waterslides into the river??? And the exemption below trumps and supersedes any CFR-swimming/wading prohibition because it addresses wearing a PFD related to CFR-Exemption-listed subjects/boats — “vessels” as defined in COMAR 08.06.01.02B(3). Whether you want to deepen your knowledge of Potomac River flora or simply spice up your spring strolls with an activity, we’ve got your next adventure sorted! At Potomac Conservancy, we think the river is the best classroom or teacher anyone could ask for this back-to-school season. Great Falls might be a no-brainer, but what about the calm water, nowhere near the falls, where it looks nice and flat? Is it safe to swim or boat in the Potomac? We don't spam or share your information. I’ve been meaning to post this forever, mostly cause I have these totally awesome photos sitting in a folder. The ferry connects White’s Ferry Road between Montgomery County, Md. . Thus, in these Potomac River areas (which encompass most of the River between Great Falls and the Maryland/Washington, D.C. line), swimming and wading as a “recreational use” are prohibited. There are countless swimming spots across our region – from the sandy beaches at Point Lookout, to backyard streams and creeks. Sign up to receive our monthly River Update email. Additionally, as exactly anticipated by the CFR Exemption, the State of Maryland regulates activities regarding boating with a PFD. But there are some hazards in her way. Is swimming illegal in the Potomac River? As summer heats up, here are our picks for safe, open, clean water spots in the Potomac River regions to cool off. But how can you take advantage of the winter outdoors without it feeling like a chore? Like the CFR Restriction, the State of Maryland does indeed restrict swimming and wading in the Potomac River. Longman & Van Grack, LLC Bottom line: It is illegal to swim between Great Falls and the Maryland/DC line. Well, if you saw our latest report card, you’d see that the river’s health has improved from a D to a B in ten years. But it is advisable that you get back in your boat ASAP. Great Falls might be a no-brainer, but what about the calm water, nowhere near the falls, where it looks nice and flat? Last year, the state of West Virginia officially opened it as a public recreation area. We used to have beaches on the Potomac and swimming used to be legal! With Offices in Maryland (Rockville or Bethesda), and Washington, DC, the attorneys at Longman & Van Grack assist clients throughout Washington, DC and Maryland including Montgomery County, Howard County, Prince George’s County, Chevy Chase, Darnestown, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Potomac, Silver Spring, and Wheaton. Swimming and wading without a personal flotation device (“PFD”) in certain types of river sections can be extremely dangerous; thus, such restrictions can be very logical. Swimming in the Potomac is generally not approved in the District, but organized events like the Nation’s Triathlon and other races can get exceptions. We must eliminate DC's and Alexandra's combined sewage discharges and lift the swim ban that prohibits swimming in the Potomac River! During the past few years, signs have been posted in Maryland along popular hiking sections of the Potomac River near Great Falls and Mather Gorge which state that swimming and wading are illegal in the Potomac River. Great Falls might be a no-brainer, but what about the calm water, nowhere near the falls, where it looks nice and flat? CHECK BACK IN 2021 May 30, 2020 Check out this list of how to prepare for cold weather, new activities to try, wildlife you can only spot in the winter, and even how to stay in touch with the natural world when you’re determined to stay indoors. Call us at (301) 291-5027 if you have any further questions or if you think we can help you out. . The COMAR specifically defines, “recreational use” as “activities on the Potomac River, including swimming, bathing, wading, diving, tubing, rafting, and other uses involving contact with the water.” (COMAR 08.06.01.02B(2)(a)). But on just about any summer weekend afternoon there are dozens of boats moored above the Key Bridge, many with people jumping in and out the water. There are exceptions for those who operate a boat, canoe, or kayak and happen to fall in wearing a personal floatation device. In some other European countries, including Scotland and most of Scandinavia, there is an explicit (statutory) legal right to swim or navigate in all water bodies, related to the public rights to roam. Unlike many other countries the owners of the bank in the UK own half the river bed and, unless there is an established use, a swimmer could be trespassing. It is illegal to go swimming in the Great Falls area of the Potomac River, an area also known as Mather Gorge. “The Potomac especially is very deceptive, it has some spots that look very calm, very tranquil, look very easy to swim in,” he says. If you're boating and wearing a personal flotation device and you happen to fall in, that is not illegal. Find out how in our visitor’s guide, including 6 adventure activities. except for the purpose of saving a drowning person, is prohibited.” (36 CFR 7.96(e)). With water temperatures around 50°F, U.S. Marine Quinn Hurt braves the polluted, murky waters of the Potomac. On Tuesday, when the riverkeepers christened their newly donated boat, the Potomac River was rated red for no-go — based on a September 2018 water sample. The most common response when he tells people, he said, is shock: “You go swimming where? Historic White’s Ferry, the last of the 100 ferries that once operated on the Potomac River, has shut down after an 11-year legal battle with a property owner at the ferry’s landing. Here’s how our team is getting outside and enjoying the river while social distancing…now tell us your story! Who needs a pool when we live by the water? . But while you’re enjoying a fall breeze by the water, why not read a book that strengthens your connection with it? Starting in Tenleytown, Foundry Branch goes through multiple DC neighborhoods before entering the Potomac River. Don’t let the calm-looking water fool you! Skip Netflix binge-watching, take a hard pass on a crowded restaurant, and get outside to make some memories with your special someone. Dam 5 to Dam 3. Bacterial levels and current may create a safety concern, depending on time of year, weather, and other factors. There are enough hazards in this section that even the best kayakers can have trouble navigating the rapids. 128k members in the washingtondc community. Hiring an attorney is an important decision which should not be based solely on advertising. The term "Potomac" is often used as a synonym for the nation's capital, and it does in fact flow through the District of Columbia, separating it from the neighboring state of Virginia. Ask the Expert: Is it safe to swim in the Potomac? The river actually encompasses 383 miles, running from its source in the West Virginia Appalachian Mountains until it empties out into the Chesapeake Bay. It's a short drive from downtown DC and the perfect way to keep cool and relax on a summer's day. # swimmablepotomac # cleanwater # WaterIsLife # potomacriver # swimdrinkfish How are you staying connected to nature this spring? Denis Crean swims in the Potomac River two times a week. When it rains, household sewage from Washington DC and Alexandria combines with polluted stormwater, discharging raw sewage, pet waste, road runoff, and other contaminants that foul the Potomac River. Therefore, if the State of Maryland has established laws or regulations regarding the “wearing or the carriage of personal flotation devices” for the Potomac River related to the subject areas/boats listed in the CFR Exemption, then those state laws or regulations will trump the CFR Restriction (or any CFR regulation). We have to make it safe for people to go in the water. There are still extremely strong currents under the water that can pull the unaware swimmer down into the river’s depths. © 2021 Longman & Van Grack, LLC All Rights Reserved, Montgomery County Maryland Lawsuits & Trials, Administrative Appeals and Petition for Review, Tax Court Appeals and Tax Petitions for Review, Estate Administration and Estate Planning, Estate Planning & Administration Overview, Sports Law & Outdoor Recreation Law Overview, Contract and Document Review for Sports & Outdoors Industry, Liability Waivers for Sports & Outdoors Industry, Olympic and Professional Athlete Legal Representation. Potomac River 7.5 Mile Swim CANCELLED IN 2020 DUE TO COVID-19. The Coast Guard is proposing to establish special local regulations for certain waters of the Upper Potomac River. The quarry will serve as a reservoir, storing the water until it is needed during the summer. Phone: (301) 291-5027 Suite 750 #6E For safety reasons, swimming in the Potomac is illegal between Great Falls and the southern Maryland/DC line. The Potomac River (Potomac River - Wikipedia) is not very deep at all until one gets well downstream: Historically, this was a cause of some vexation since there were great plans to make the Potomac the gateway for the development of the West. !” But those who monitor and patrol the river … When this occurs, runoff flows directly into the Potomac and Anacostia rivers. Bottom line: There are lots of local spots where it is both legal and safe to swim. There are enough hazards in this section that even the best kayakers can have trouble navigating the rapids. The annual Potomac River Swim for the Environment is growing in popularity as a distance swim event. To answer the question of swimming-and-wading legality in the Potomac River, the following two regulations must be reviewed: (1) the Code of Federal Regulations (“CFR”) (because sections of the Potomac River border National Parks) and (2) the Code of Maryland Regulations (“COMAR”) (because the Potomac River is within the State of Maryland). 100% Privacy. “The Potomac is a natural river to this day, which is unusual,” Peck says. In … Get Exploring! These 10 Potomac River fishing hotspots should enter into every angler's calculations. Is the Potomac still too polluted to swim in? It is illegal to go swimming in the Great Falls area of the Potomac River, an area also known as Mather Gorge. © 2021, Potomac Conservancy, Silver Spring, MD. Where are the best beaches? Whether you already have plans or still need to make some for the big day, we’ve got you covered with a list of the best outdoor dates on and around the Potomac. Federal regulations do indeed specifically restrict swimming and wading in the Potomac River. You will receive our next monthly River Update e-newsletter. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Loudoun developed a plan to "bank" wintertime flows in the Potomac River. We've got a few tips on how you can fight these invaders and protect native fish. The right to swim is a complex issue which, in many cases, is undetermined. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters, and electronic mail. The Anacostia Watershed Society rated the Anacostia a D- in 2018, the river’s first passing grade, with the ability to swim in the Anacostia by 2025 a stated goal. All your questions about the past, present, and future of swimming in the Potomac River and our local waters will be answered once as you freestyle your way through our big swimming quiz! And, if so, do the laws contain any exceptions? Discover how the Potomac has helped Emily, and what she hopes for its future. Bacteria is also a serious concern. It is illegal to go swimming in the Great Falls area of the Potomac River, an area also known as Mather Gorge. Vernon and the Federal City bearing his name just upstream, the Potomac’s first calling is its service as the southern headwaters of the Chesapeake Bay. The COMAR Restriction (“recreational use”). World-class rower Emily Schmieg is up training on the Potomac river every morning at 6 am, and it’s where she’s found her peace - and speed. The CFR Exemption (“personal flotation devices”). If you’re curious about a particular water hole or spot on the Potomac River, feel free to run your own test! Technically it’s still illegal to swim in the Potomac from Georgetown. Is is safe? The term skinny-dip was first recorded in English in 1947. Swimming or wading is legally restricted in the Potomac River by entering the River (a) though any National Capital Region Park (via CFR) and (b) in most areas between Great Falls and the Maryland/Washington, D.C. line (via COMAR). “You look at other cities, and their rivers are full of dams and levees. Friday – 6/7/2013, 9:53am ET By Megan Cloherty The D.C. Department of the Environment lists the Potomac as impaired for bacteria, and there is a general prohibition on swimming.The river is monitored in real time for a number of parameters, including water temperature and pH. 10411 Motor City Drive upstream of a line beginning at the base of Stubblefield Falls” and (b) between “100 yards above the crest of Dam No. All Rights Reserved. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. We want to protect the public’s right to swim, or paddle, or paddleboard, or wade – or whatever they want to do to cool off or have fun this summer in the Potomac. “If it … The “areas covered” by the CFR Restriction are the National Capital Region Parks. Thank you! Bottom line: Due to large debris and runoff pollution, you should NOT wade in local rivers or streams if it has rained in the last three days. Like in Georgetown for instance? Two Drownings in Potomac River Prompt Swimming Warning By Bay Bulletin / June 15, 2020 Emergency responders in Washington, D.C. and Maryland are warning people not to swim in swift-moving portions of the Potomac River after two drownings near Chain Bridge over the past three weeks. Bacteria occur naturally in the water, but there are certain kinds – like E. coli – that are good indicators of sewage pollution. The June 1 event, which takes swimmers from Hull Neck, Virginia, across the river to Point Lookout State Park in Maryland, provides a challenging distance swim for the participants while raising environmental awareness about the river as well as funds for Potomac environmental groups. One of our favorite spots for cooling off on the river is Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. The Potomac River (/ p ə ˈ t oʊ m ə k / ()) is found within the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States and flows from the Potomac Highlands into the Chesapeake Bay.The river (main stem and North Branch) is approximately 405 miles (652 km) long, with a drainage area of about 14,700 square miles (38,000 km 2). Thus, “swimming or wading” by a boater associated “with a vessel” and wearing a “flotation device” between Great Falls and Washington, D.C. is not prohibited by the COMAR Restriction or CFR Restriction. Walking along a riverside trail with sunlight slowly burning your cheeks and sweat dripping down your back, you stop and look longingly at the nearby river. Thus, the CFR creates the following exemption for all of its regulations: “The States are exempted from preemption by Federal regulations when establishing, continuing in effect, or enforcing State laws and regulations on the wearing or the carriage of personal flotation devices directly related to the following subject areas within the jurisdictional boundaries of the State: (a) Children on board any vessel; (b) Operating a canoe or kayak; (c) Operating a sailboard; and (d) Operating a personal watercraft.” (33 CFR 175.5). He chose the Potomac River, forever identifying it as the “Nation’s River.”But even more significant than Washington’s riverside estate at Mt. Share your story! The COMAR Exemption (“Boating” while wearing a “flotation device”). 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