Chicagoans Avoided Their ‘Filthy’ River for Years. On Sunday, They Swam in It.

Brad Culp, 40, a journalist, emerged dripping from the water and stood under a shower along the river to rinse off.

He used to live in a building nearby, and never dreamed that it would be possible to swim in the river.

“I swallowed one big gulp of water, so I’m a little worried about that,” he said, half joking.

During the swim, he paused to ponder the fact that he was actually submerged in the Chicago River. “I can’t believe I was floating on my back, looking at my old neighborhood.”