Is it safe to swim in the mississippi river?

Question

i'm talking about the part that borders wisconsin and minnesota....

Answer 1

I swam in the Mississippi for years as a child in the area bordering Iowa and Wisconsin.  On occasion I would swim where you are.  I, personally, had no problem.  What matters is the general water quality, the current to be moving, thus cleaning the river, and your ability to swim and recognise dangerous areas.  Do not swim in stagnant water, do not swim where there is heavy growth of underwater plants that could entangle you and beware of any underwater currents that could pull you under.  Contact your state agency regarding the water quality for more information.

Answer 2

I don't know.  I personally don't swim in anything where I can't see down to the bottom.  I like pools, though.

Answer 3

as long as you can cope with swmming, you are alright.

Make sure you bring some sugary fizzy pop to drink afterwards, whilst getting my Kayak certificates, we were always ordered to drink fizzy pop afterwards... I am still alive, therefore that works!

Think it gets rid of some bug, but don't quote me, certainly keeps you refreshed!

Answer 4

Sure, me and Huck are goin' down right after supper...

Just kidding!! Pollution, boat traffic, currents.

Answer 5

Here's a great article from Outside Online about someone swimming across the Mississippi.

http://outside.away.com/outside/destinat...

Answer 6

I don't know maybe check it out on linee. But I think it should be ok.

Answer 7

I'm sure there are areas where swimming is allowed and safe.. But I couldn't possibly tell you the exact location.

But obviously it wouldn't be safe to swim in rapids...

Answer 8

Most large rivers are risky to swim in because of the current, which can sometimes be faster than the strongest swimmers can swim.  You might find yourself getting out much farther downstream than you went in.

Answer 9

Relatively yes.

There is risk in everything.

Bull sharks have been known to fresh water at least 10 miles from the delta.  Don't go in if you are menstruating or have any open cuts.

Whats worse for open cuts is the bacteria and pollution in the water.

Areas where the water is only 50 yards wide is still Relatively clean.

Answer 10

Safe as any other river with high boat traffic.

If you're worried about giant catfish, don't be, they don't exist in North America.

Answer 11

no way, there are heaps of bull sharks in the mississppi river

Answer 12

No strong current even though i might not look it would be suprise....

i live in scotland and never even been to america

Answer 13

i would not swim in any river used to drive by the maummee river in ohio and it was dirty really dirty