‘The Toxic Swimmer’ Swims In America’s Most Heavily Polluted Waters To Raise Awareness
For the past two decades, Christopher Swain has been many things: a dad, a swimmer, and an activist. And there is nothing he wants more than his daughters to grow up in a world with clean water.
That’s why the Massachusetts native has been swimming down the most polluted waterways in America to raise awareness and fight for clean water.
Dubbed “The Toxic Swimmer,” Swain loves exploring public waterways, but began swimming in the most polluted lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water as a form of activism.
His mission is to show people how badly these waterways are in need of cleaning and conservation.
Swain was the first person in history to swim the entire length of many of the waterways he has swam.
He has swam the entire length of the Columbia River, the Hudson River, and the Charles River. He’s also swam around New York City in some really dirty waterways including the Gowanus Canal and the Newtown Creek.
Not only is he raising awareness by swimming these polluted waters, but he has also given talks to more than 80,000 kids at schools. He has also received several environmental awards for his efforts.
While he is swimming in these toxic waterways, he always makes sure to be covered head to toe and as safe as possible.
Swain loves what he does and says he plans on continuing his fight for clean water.
“This is what feels right to me in my heart,” he told Upworthy.
Hear more of Swain’s inspiring story in the video below:
