Would you swim in the Hudson River?

Yes, but only after informing myself about the risks. I am glad that they are making some efforts to improve the water quality.

"Our initial data shows that overall water quality is highly variable depending on both site
location and time sampled. This study is ongoing and as more data is collected, a better picture
of problem locations throughout the estuary will emerge. But initial samples indicate that, in
general, ambient water quality conditions from southern sections of the estuary (New York City
Battery to Yonkers) and more northern portions (Yonkers to Peekskill) are relatively similar.
During periods of dry weather, conditions in the mid-channel of the river are generally
acceptable from an overall environmental perspective.
However, the initial findings also highlight a number of concerns, including:
• There are times and places, particularly near shorelines after wet weather events, where
counts of sewage-indicating bacteria far exceed standards for primary contact recreation;
• 21 percent of samples collected north of New York City in 2007 had counts of sewageindicating
bacteria that exceeded the federal single sample guideline for primary contact;
• In the waterways surrounding New York City, 32 percent of the samples exceeded the
federal single sample guidelines for primary contact;
• There are specific locations (i.e. Piermont Pier in Piermont and Newtown Creek in Brooklyn)
that have chronically poor water quality conditions;
• Severe wet weather conditions, even if short-term, can render much of the estuary unsafe for
activities such as swimming and kayaking.

Implications for Millions of Swimmers, Boaters, and Anglers
The bacteriological data collected during this pilot study suggest certain areas of concern:
(1) Even days after localized storm events, levels of pathogens can remain above the allowable
federal guidelines for swimming;
(2) Twenty-one of 27 stations sampled experienced single day measurements that indicate an
increased risk of illness from swimming or other direct contact with the river;
(3) Even at sites where conditions were generally acceptable, or that had seasonally acceptable
conditions according to a geometric mean, there was still poor water quality on individual
days, particularly after rain events; and
(4) There are areas of the estuary that experience chronically poor conditions."
Source and further information:
http://www.riverkeeper.org/document.php/883/Swimmable_River.pdf

Further information:
- "Improving Hudson River Water Quality":
http://www.riverkeeper.org/campaign.php/hudson_water_quality

I could, but I certainly wouldn't want to unless I had no other choice...yuck!

I would rather swim in the Hudson than land a jet in Harlem...

Only if Ihad a cement block tied to each foot.

Yes, far north of NY City.

These days you can walk on it,and not even get wet.

NO TO COLD!!!!

Condidering the amount of debris in that river,I would say no but If I fell in I won't have a choice in the matter would I?:)

Always did and do yo...

In certain parts of it yes, especially to the north of the city and many of the industrial plants along it's banks. It's a very long river and they re working hard to clean it up.

Most areas of the river are safe to swim in. They have been holding the Great Hudson River Swim in May for many years and rarely have to cancel due to safety concerns.