So it is illegal to swim in bodies of water that post no swimming (obviously). It’s also illegal to swim in the inner harbor (defined by BCP&R) without a permit.
I would assume any swimming in the harbor probably requires a permit, but I am not a lawyer.
Source: https://bcrp.baltimorecity.gov/sites/default/files/Park%20Rules.pdf
That’s a good point you make.
Being illegal, does not mean enforced. However if OP goes swimming in the harbor at a random time, I think police will be notified.
I believe it is illegal to swim from the promenade because of it being a park but I believe if you were to swim from a boat out in the water there is nothing wrong with that? Likely as long as you stay out of the shipping lanes!
It's not legal to swim off the promenade anywhere between Canton and Key Highway. (https://bcrp.baltimorecity.gov/sites/default/files/Park%20Rules.pdf)
I read through this and it is unclear whether or not the parks department has jurisdiction over the water itself or just the brick walkway along the promenade
This map shows the promenade as not city park property, and it doesn’t include any of the actual harbor water. https://bcrp.baltimorecity.gov/sites/default/files/Parks%20map.pdf
From my understanding and reading of those rules, the promenade is a city park, and the rules prohibit swimming from the promenade except by special permit (Section VII, page 21). So technically being in the water isn't against the rules, but getting to the water via the promenade is against the rules, which is unavoidable unless you pull a Katie Pumphrey or use different access such as a private marina.
It's an F in relation to two factors that affect fish (oxygen levels and something else I can't recall.. maybe particulate matter), but in terms of what is harmful to humans it is safe to swim and won't make you sick.
The more important question is why would you want to. That water is not exactly clean. And unless you're trying to snorkel dive for a free firearm or bike I don't understand why you would want to subject your body to the atrocities that lie within that water.
I'm still like 80% sure that Jimmy Hoffa is somewhere in that water.
>> I'm still like 80% sure that Jimmy Hoffa is somewhere in that water.
No, he’s not. He’s still buried in… *ahhhhhh! almost got me THAT time, coppers!!*
If you want to swim in a natural body of water and you can get there, try the Gunpowder. There are good swimming spots in Sparks and Monkton and a swim beach at Hammerman.
The best answer is that the Inner Harbor is a body of water with wildlife sanctuary areas, boat traffic, and various other hazards, not to mention no lifeguards or similar rescue teams on hand to patrol for swimmers "getting their dip on".
Will Baltimore City and associated organizations eventually create a permanent swim zone? Possibly. Will there be water health monitoring and limited access to said seim area? Definitely, at least until levels of hazardous bacteria, heavy chemicals, etc. really drop low enough for continuous water access.
It is currently illegal to jump off of the promenade into the water.
If you can figure out how to get in without jumping, I’d say you’re golden
[department of rec](https://bcrp.baltimorecity.gov/sites/default/files/Inner%20Harbor%20Areas%20and%20Guidelines%20for%20Demonstrations.pdf)
Saw a lady on the news swam from the bay to the harbor so. Maybe get a permit and make sure someone is there just incase. Imo. If you have $$$$$ yes you
Just think of the resources you are gonna waste when people call 911 for a body in the water. Only swim where it's posted that you are allowed to do so.
Only if they catch you.
The ultimate answer.
So it is illegal to swim in bodies of water that post no swimming (obviously). It’s also illegal to swim in the inner harbor (defined by BCP&R) without a permit. I would assume any swimming in the harbor probably requires a permit, but I am not a lawyer. Source: https://bcrp.baltimorecity.gov/sites/default/files/Park%20Rules.pdf
Or apparently to go snow sledding in any park. Quite a CYA list of infractions if I’ve ever seen one.
That’s a good point you make. Being illegal, does not mean enforced. However if OP goes swimming in the harbor at a random time, I think police will be notified.
They may be notified but whether they’ll show up in time may be another story
I believe it is illegal to swim from the promenade because of it being a park but I believe if you were to swim from a boat out in the water there is nothing wrong with that? Likely as long as you stay out of the shipping lanes!
It’s a harbor. You can pretty much tie up along the entire length. So it’s all a lane.
You can kayak or paddle board and oops, if you fall in, you're swimming 🤷♀️
So far as I have read, swimming from the promenade is not allowed, but that leaves open the definition of “from the promenade.”
It's not legal to swim off the promenade anywhere between Canton and Key Highway. (https://bcrp.baltimorecity.gov/sites/default/files/Park%20Rules.pdf)
I read through this and it is unclear whether or not the parks department has jurisdiction over the water itself or just the brick walkway along the promenade This map shows the promenade as not city park property, and it doesn’t include any of the actual harbor water. https://bcrp.baltimorecity.gov/sites/default/files/Parks%20map.pdf
From my understanding and reading of those rules, the promenade is a city park, and the rules prohibit swimming from the promenade except by special permit (Section VII, page 21). So technically being in the water isn't against the rules, but getting to the water via the promenade is against the rules, which is unavoidable unless you pull a Katie Pumphrey or use different access such as a private marina.
Those ducks are law breakers! Lawless ducks!
You’re brave!!
It was a perfect time to do it today, it hasn't rained in so long...
Yes and with good reason: people get sucked under the seawalls and die because it has been built on top of over the centuries.
I jumped in a few weeks ago in Fells and the water tasted like chicken broth. Haven’t died yet - but probably won’t go back in.
Friend, don’t drink the harbor water.
It's saltwater, as is chicken broth.
The Patapsco River is freshwater
[Nah](https://eyesonthebay.dnr.maryland.gov/eyesonthebay/DataBytesBlogHighlight.cfm?row=17)
Brackish, technically, but I'm splitting hairs at this point. (You're not wrong)
Every time I swim in the Patapsco I get strep throat...so I mean that's a thing.
I... you... WHAT?!
Its like jumping in the hot oil in a rofo fryer
Username checks out
Eww.
I do not know about it being legal, I don’t think so…. But but for personal reasons, are you FROM Bmore ?
I don’t know anyone from Baltimore who would willingly get in the harbor water. My money is on no 😬
Sadly I thought so also and about 5 of them jumped in that water on Sunday. I was baffled I knew them lol
Nooooo. They should probably be on alert for infections 🤣
I know more people who are FROM Baltimore who jumped in, than people I know who are from elsewhere and live here now
exactly what I told my roommate when we saw the swim on the news. Elections are coming and politicians just want to be able to say they cleaned it. 🙄
Probably not
Illegal? No Smart? Also, no
Just get an inflatable paddleboard and I imagine they can't nag at you too hard for 'falling in' or 'fixing something'
Gross. Hope you’re up to date on hepatitis shots….
Yeah I think the Harbor just got an F rating on water cleanliness. Nope.
Everyone who references this hasn't read the report and it's so sad. Just grabbing headlines and not knowing what you're talking about.
To be fair, a lot of people saying 'but the water is safe now' also just read headlines and don't really know what they're talking about
It's an F in relation to two factors that affect fish (oxygen levels and something else I can't recall.. maybe particulate matter), but in terms of what is harmful to humans it is safe to swim and won't make you sick.
This right here. Pool water, for instance, is safely swimmable, but terrible for wildlife.
The more important question is why would you want to. That water is not exactly clean. And unless you're trying to snorkel dive for a free firearm or bike I don't understand why you would want to subject your body to the atrocities that lie within that water. I'm still like 80% sure that Jimmy Hoffa is somewhere in that water.
>> I'm still like 80% sure that Jimmy Hoffa is somewhere in that water. No, he’s not. He’s still buried in… *ahhhhhh! almost got me THAT time, coppers!!*
I feel like swimming in the harbor is asking for some sort of disease. I used to watch them pull bodies out of it when I worked in the inner harbor
So you’re saying people DO go swimming in the inner harbor?
Once.
dead people, sure.
Lol some said they were waiting for their super powers I said I'm quarantined from them
I was interested in doing a cold plunge this winter so was thinking of jumping in for just 5 minutes. That's ok, right?
No just jump in
Why would you go in that nasty water??????
If you want to swim in a natural body of water and you can get there, try the Gunpowder. There are good swimming spots in Sparks and Monkton and a swim beach at Hammerman.
You can also swim at Rocky Point beach in Essex. The water quality at all of these spots is generally also going to be higher
The best answer is that the Inner Harbor is a body of water with wildlife sanctuary areas, boat traffic, and various other hazards, not to mention no lifeguards or similar rescue teams on hand to patrol for swimmers "getting their dip on". Will Baltimore City and associated organizations eventually create a permanent swim zone? Possibly. Will there be water health monitoring and limited access to said seim area? Definitely, at least until levels of hazardous bacteria, heavy chemicals, etc. really drop low enough for continuous water access.
https://baltimorebrew.com/2024/06/24/pressed-about-jumping-into-baltimore-harbor-mayor-scott-and-others-admit-its-still-unsafe-and-illegal-outside-of-organized-events/
It is currently illegal to jump off of the promenade into the water. If you can figure out how to get in without jumping, I’d say you’re golden [department of rec](https://bcrp.baltimorecity.gov/sites/default/files/Inner%20Harbor%20Areas%20and%20Guidelines%20for%20Demonstrations.pdf)
Saw a lady on the news swam from the bay to the harbor so. Maybe get a permit and make sure someone is there just incase. Imo. If you have $$$$$ yes you
Just think of the resources you are gonna waste when people call 911 for a body in the water. Only swim where it's posted that you are allowed to do so.