Last Friday, on World Water Day, Swimmable Rivers teamed up with WorldWaternet to pay homage to water in a unique way—by taking a refreshing dive into the Amstel River! This event marked the intersection of celebration and education as participants engaged in what we call a “Swiminar.”

In collaboration with University of Amsterdam, 35 enthusiastic swimmers immersed themselves in the waters of the Amstel, experiencing firsthand the privilege of access to clean water in urban environments. Swimming isn’t just about connecting with water; it serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving clean and accessible water for everyone, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy city rivers around the globe. Lars summed it up perfectly: “To get a message across, try swimming.”

The Swiminar was a day filled with memorable experiences and valuable insights. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the participants for their eagerness to learn and their courage to dive into the cold city rivers. Additionally, we express our gratitude to our esteemed speakers—René Nissen, Roos Metselaar, and Maarten Ouboter—for sharing their knowledge and expertise, enriching our understanding of water conservation in the setting of swimmability.

But our journey doesn’t end here. Swiminars are already in the pipeline for Copenhagen, Paris, and of course, Amsterdam! In our upcoming Amsterdam Swiminar, we’ll delve deeper into the Amsterdam City Swim—a remarkable event that embodies the spirit of community, athleticism, and water advocacy.

And here’s an exciting opportunity for our readers! As a token of appreciation for your support, we’re giving away two tickets to the Amsterdam City Swim 2024. Simply share this post, and you could be one of the lucky individuals joining us for this exhilarating event. Let’s continue celebrating water, fostering awareness, and swim towards a more sustainable future.