Photo by Pescatello

Swimming in the Potomac isn’t only ill-advised, but it’s also illegal. That could change, though only under very limited circumstances.

Last Friday that D.C. Department of Environment published a set of proposed rules that would largely maintain the existing ban on swimming in the Potomac while codifying limited exceptions for events, largely two annual triathlons:

The proposed rules require that prior to each proposed swimming event for the Potomac River, the event organizer conduct a study of the segment of the District’s river where swimming will occur to determine whether the segment meets the District’s water quality standards that are protective of human health. The study itself, and the results of the study, must be reviewed and approved by the Department in order for the event to occur. The event organizer must show that it has conducted the required sampling and testing, coordinated with government public safety agencies, provided relevant permitting agencies with proof of insurance coverage, and ensured that the organization and event participants waive all liability of the District, and that the event organizer maintains a contingency plan for a determination by the Department that the river is unsafe for the swim.

From 2007 to 2011, D.C. gave triathlon organizers a pass on the swimming ban; on two occasions, though, the swims were cancelled at the last minute due to heavy rains that flushed sewage into the river. According to D.C., no illnesses were ever reported after the triathlons took place.

If and when the rules are implemented, they won’t be limited to triathlons. But if you and some friends just want to jump into the river to raise some money, you’ll still have to jump through the same hoops that triathlon organizers have to.