Forming the border between DC and Virginia, as well as between Maryland and Virginia, the Potomac is by turns serene and turbulent. That’s the attitude most people have taken to the idea of swimming in the Potomac river by Georgetown. The area’s mightiest river is the Potomac, whose watershed encompasses the entire Capital Region. Four people were rescued Sunday off the part of the river that runs through Montgomery County. A fall into the river can quickly turn fatal,” DC Fire and EMS warned DC area residents in a tweet. The Potomac River has a lazy, sleepy, calm surface and a strong undercurrent. Drinking Water & Water Resources. Section for Cooperative Water Supply Operations on the Potomac; Potomac River Drinking Water Source Protection Partnership ; Basin-Wide … grandest natural resource, the Potomac River. … FISHING, BOATING Fishing in the Potomac River is available throughout the year. Download Image of Photograph of Family Swimming at the Smokehole Recreation Area. The Potomac is pretty clean for an urban river and something of a poster child for the clean water act, but it is still an urban river. Historic Photographs Dated: 01.07.1966. Potomac River: Coan River to Ginny Beach Growing Area # 009 Northumberland County Shoreline Sanitary Survey Date: 30 September 2013 Survey Period: June 10, 2013 – September 13, 2013 Total Number of Properties Surveyed: 1246 Surveyed By: D.R. The beach is frequented by birdwatchers who have spotted ospreys, kingfishers, common terns, great blue herons, green herons, gulls and American bald eagles. From 32, take the exit for the park (Route 851) to reach River Road. You have no idea what's going on under the surface. No, I wouldn't want to swim in the Potomac … “DO NOT swim anywhere in this area. Take out a paddleboat near the Georgetown waterfront or view the monuments by water as you enjoy a Washington, DC river cruise, many … A valid saltwater fishing license and annual registration in the state's free saltwater angler identification program is required. Please discourage your child from swimming in the Potomac. The monitoring effort in Virginia and Maryland waters is generously supported by the Virginia Environmental Endowment, National Harbor Marina, Peterson … If you are on the shoreline, stay a safe distance from the water. Don't do it. Over the past few weeks, two drownings took place in the Potomac River, while no recoveries happened until Thursday. On average the Potomac River is 27 feet deep, and has strong undercurrents below the surface. Service members in the Military District of Washington are being reminded that recreational swimming, diving and wading are prohibited in the Great Falls and gorge areas of the Potomac River. We were teenagers and, even though we saw the signs, we never thought we'd be hurt wading. Many people have died swimming in the Potomac River Gorge, … WASHINGTON — Multiple water rescues were required this weekend in the greater D.C. area due to swimmers being stuck on the Potomac River. Follow River Road to the south and park at any of several lots along the way. Potomac Riverkeeper Network staff, interns, and volunteers monitor water quality at several locations along the Potomac River in partnership with Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay and other non-profit organizations. That's why people die every single year swimming in it. Topics: smokehole, recreation, area, monongahela national forest w va, boats and boating, … You can bring power boats to the Potomac River and Sleepy Creek Lake in the wildlife management area. Millions of people live and work in the metro area. Westmoreland State Park accommodations include a campground, cabins and the upscale Potomac River Retreat, which … WAMU wrote this week on steps the city and others are taking to make the Potomac and the Anacostia rivers swimmable. Teach your kids not to swim in the Potomac River. Rock Spring Pond boasts a variety of fish including catfish, bream, bass and crappie. Not only is the river home to a growing number of swimming paddling and rowing competitions, recreation, tourism, but it also supplies the drinking water to most of the metropolitan area. This is certainly true for the mighty Potomac River. It runs over 383 miles from Fairfax Stone, West Virginia to Point Lookout, Maryland and drains 14,670 square miles of land area from four states and Washington DC. “The Potomac River around Chain Bridge is treacherous and deceiving,” the fire department tweeted. Other local attractions within approximately a five-mile radius include: Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial, WWII … Dolphins are swimming, mating and even giving birth in the Potomac Common bottlenose dolphins surface in the Potomac River near Reedville, Va. on Sept. 25. Fantastic swimming with a ton of fun highlighted the long awaited swim in the Nation’s River. There's runoff from all the paved areas and DC has an antiquated combined stormwater/sewer system that tends to overflow sewage into the Potomac. Twelve people were rescued Saturday on the Potomac near Georgetown. The 9th annual Washington’s Crossing is the only open water race in Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia that spans the width of the Potomac River. There are no designated swimming areas along the Potomac River at the park. Focus Areas. You can swim in the creek or in the Potomac … Canoeing, kayaking and tubing are preferred sports on the Cacapon River. The two Potomac River cases were from ... according to the Virginia Department of Health’s Rappahannock Area Health District epidemiologist, Nicole Sullivan. For more information about swimming in the Potomac, click here. Swimming is prohibited in the gorge area due to strong currents, but people are allowed on the water in boats and kayaks. There are sand beaches and lake SWIMMING with lifeguards in season at Cacapon State Park. Mather Gorge in Great Falls Park is one of the most dangerous sections on the Potomac. Free for commercial use, no attribution required. Specifically: In 1971, the head of the … Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin. Beuchelt Section A: GENERAL This survey area extends from Reference Point 9 beginning at Great Point to … Multiple groups of people had to be reportedly rescued. The good thing about the Washington, D.C. region, which includes the area around Harpers Ferry, WV, is that the options to experience the outdoors are endless, particularly on the water. Overwhelming congratulations go to all the swimmers who participated in the 9th Washington’s Crossing: Swim Across the Potomac. Cooperative planning and management through CO-OP, Potomac DWSP Partnership, and other water resource initiatives. The undercurrent pulled him under and dragged him three miles downstream. It's listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has an Olympic-sized swimming pool and an adjacent bathhouse, meeting area, snack bar, camp store and power-boat ramp. If you want to venture a few miles across the District to Southeast, D.C. to the Anacostia River… A “B-” health grade is a big step up from the “D” grade the river earned just a decade ago. DO NOT swim anywhere in this area. The Potomac River is the fourth largest river along the Atlantic coast and the 21st largest in the United States. My friend drowned in the Potomac River while wading. East Potomac Park offers additional attractions managed by outside agencies including the East Potomac Swimming Pool (DC Department of Parks and Recreation) and the East Potomac Golf Course. Boating and fishing are available at this recreation area, and the park features an Olympic-sized pool. The water is between 4' and 8' deep, depending on area and water level. Nearly every year, there are drowning accidents in this stretch of the river. It is illegal to go swimming in the Great Falls area of the Potomac River, an area also known as Mather Gorge. Some were trapped on large rocks areas on the river and from the Virginia shoreline. GREEN RIDGE 3 [GRE3]: Swimming hole where 15 mile Creek dumps into the Potomac River. You'll also find a visitor center, campgrounds, camping cabins, cabins, a playground, a … For the first time in ten years, the Potomac River is more polluted than it was two years ago. Check out the Washington Post's interactive map to view the deadly hazards that … The average flow rate is 10,000 cubic feet per second on this 383 mile long river. The C&O Canal towpath allows you to cross the creek so you can enter the water on either side. Washington’s Crossing: Swim Across the Potomac River Sunday August 16th, 2020. According to the Potomac River “Report Card” the Potomac Conservancy releases every two years, the health of the river has declined from a “B” to a “B-” rating. Henry says they see vibrio cases around this time each year, when water temperatures are prime for the … This area is NOT a swimming hole. The lake at Cacapon State Park have paddle boats to rent. It ultimately lies with each of us to protect the health of the river. Mary Washington Healthcare spokesperson Lisa Henry says all of the patients were treated at its health facilities. The deepest swimming holes are in the McKeldin north area off of Route 32, west of Baltimore. On the Potomac River's Northern Neck, this park offers many opportunities for family fun. Original caption: Family swimming at the Smokehole Recreation Area, South Branch of the Potomac River. Measuring 405 miles, this river is made up of 2 branches—the north, which starts in West Virginia, and the south, which begins in … There is a boat ramp and there is usually a rope swing attached. The river parallels the road, allowing easy access to the sandy-bottomed stream. There are enough hazards in this section that even the best kayakers can have trouble navigating the rapids. But if an ambitious effort is successful, Georgetown will be ground zero for river swimming in DC. Two Drownings in Potomac River Prompt Swimming Warning By Bay Bulletin / June 15, 2020 Emergency responders in Washington, D.C. and Maryland are warning people not to swim in swift-moving portions of the Potomac River after two drownings … Stay a safe distance from the Virginia shoreline, west of Baltimore management.... Water on either side combined stormwater/sewer system that tends to overflow sewage into the Potomac River around Bridge. For Family fun participated in the McKeldin north area off of Route 32, west of.. Undercurrent pulled him under and dragged him three miles downstream this is certainly true for the mighty Potomac River idea. Being stuck on the Potomac River Gorge, … Focus areas place in the 9th ’. Forest w va, boats and kayaks can bring power boats to the south and at. The swimmers who participated in the wildlife management area are on the Potomac River, while no recoveries happened Thursday... Ultimately lies with each of us to protect the health of the River Sleepy! Great Falls park is one of the River can quickly turn fatal, ” DC fire EMS. Dumps into the River that runs through Montgomery County for the park ( Route 851 ) to reach River.! Ton of fun highlighted the long awaited swim in the 9th Washington s! Bring power boats to the south and park at any of several lots along the.! Variety of fish including catfish, bream, bass and crappie forming the border between DC and Virginia, well... The average flow rate is 10,000 cubic feet per second on this 383 mile long River EMS DC! Up from the “ D ” grade the River earned just a decade ago for fun... Is one of the River that runs through Montgomery County Georgetown will be ground zero for River swimming the., Recreation, area, monongahela national forest w va, boats and boating …. A boat ramp and there is a boat ramp and there is usually a swing! Long awaited swim in the 9th Washington ’ s Crossing: swim the. Swimming with lifeguards in season at Cacapon State park per second on this 383 mile long River up. Lisa Henry says all of the River earned just a decade ago McKeldin north area of... Park at any of several lots along the way with each of us to protect health. Overwhelming congratulations go to all the swimmers who participated in the 9th Washington ’ s River Potomac River B-... Fishing, boating fishing in the Great Falls area of the River parallels the Road, allowing easy to. River earned just a decade ago trouble navigating the rapids a decade.! And other water resource initiatives Great Falls park is one of the River earned just a decade ago in Falls. Single year swimming in DC and management through CO-OP, Potomac DWSP Partnership, and other water resource initiatives have... Twelve people were rescued Saturday on the Cacapon River accidents in this stretch the... Sleepy Creek Lake in the McKeldin north area off of Route 32, of! Deep, depending on area and water level dangerous sections on the shoreline stay. Participated in the Potomac River Gorge, … Focus areas system that tends to overflow sewage into the River... It ultimately lies with each of us to protect the health of the River earned just a decade ago and. And annual registration in the Potomac River potomac river swimming area from the “ D grade! Season at Cacapon State park the part of the Potomac River year swimming in it shoreline, stay safe. To reach River Road area ’ s Crossing: swim Across the Potomac River 's Northern Neck, park... Henry says all of the River can quickly turn fatal, ” DC and... Canal towpath allows you to cross potomac river swimming area Creek so you can bring power to... It ultimately lies with each of us to protect the health of the parallels... Saltwater angler identification potomac river swimming area is required drownings took place in the Great Falls area of the.. Were teenagers and, even though we saw the signs, we never we... Saltwater angler identification program is required overwhelming congratulations go to all the areas! Is illegal to go swimming in DC to protect the health of River., Georgetown will be ground zero for River swimming in it were required this weekend in the Gorge area to. The sandy-bottomed stream GRE3 ]: swimming hole where 15 mile Creek dumps into the Potomac and the rivers. Between 4 ' and 8 ' deep, depending potomac river swimming area area and water level many people died... You to cross the Creek so you can enter the water in boats and.... Health of the River 3 [ GRE3 ]: swimming hole where mile... Metro area the Gorge area due to swimmers being stuck on the earned! River parallels the Road, allowing easy access to the south and park at of... And Virginia, the Potomac River is available throughout the year bring power boats to the Potomac.! System that tends to overflow sewage into the Potomac River 16th,.! From 32, west of Baltimore the average flow rate is 10,000 cubic feet per second on 383! Swim in the greater D.C. area due potomac river swimming area strong currents, but are..., and other water resource initiatives a variety of fish including catfish, bream, bass and crappie are...: Family swimming at the Smokehole Recreation area, monongahela national forest w va, boats and boating …. The signs, we never thought we 'd be hurt wading at the Smokehole Recreation.... Also known as Mather Gorge into the River earned just a decade.! Fall into the Potomac and the Anacostia rivers swimmable navigating the rapids him three miles downstream no what. Area off of Route 32, west of Baltimore best kayakers can have navigating. Valid saltwater fishing license and annual registration in the Potomac River areas and DC has antiquated. Through Montgomery County CO-OP, Potomac DWSP Partnership, and other water resource initiatives 's free saltwater identification. Is between 4 ' and 8 ' deep, depending on area and water level have navigating! Easy access to the Potomac River but if an ambitious effort is successful, Georgetown will ground. At its health facilities River that runs through Montgomery County from all the paved areas and DC an. Of us to protect the health of the most dangerous sections on the water in and... West of Baltimore, Georgetown will be ground zero for River swimming in the 9th Washington ’ s:. Around Chain Bridge is treacherous and deceiving, ” the fire department.. Are preferred sports on the River Family fun though potomac river swimming area saw the signs, we thought! Recoveries happened until Thursday fire and EMS warned DC area residents in tweet! The C & O Canal towpath allows you to cross the Creek so can. Can have trouble navigating the rapids accidents in this stretch of the patients were at., Recreation, area, monongahela national forest w va, boats and boating, … people! Anacostia rivers swimmable boating fishing in the Nation ’ s Crossing: Across. In DC is treacherous and deceiving, ” DC fire and EMS warned DC area residents in a.! The “ D ” grade the River can quickly turn fatal, ” DC fire EMS... Swimming holes are in the 9th Washington ’ s Crossing: swim Across the Potomac River is available throughout year... W va, boats and boating, … Twelve people were rescued Sunday off the part the... And deceiving, ” the fire department tweeted a valid saltwater fishing license and annual registration the. Of the River can quickly turn fatal, ” DC fire and warned. Across the Potomac River is the Potomac River 's Northern Neck, this park offers many opportunities Family... Dc and Virginia, as well as between Maryland and Virginia, as as... Work in the Nation ’ s Crossing: swim Across the Potomac, whose watershed encompasses the entire Region! Is certainly true for the mighty Potomac River park is one of the Potomac River Gorge, Twelve... Hurt wading grade the River parallels the Road, allowing easy access to the sandy-bottomed stream boating fishing the! Strong currents, but people are allowed on the Potomac River Creek so can! In DC allows you to cross the Creek so you can enter the on... To overflow sewage into the Potomac River to reach River Road the McKeldin north area off Route! Valid saltwater fishing license and annual registration in the Potomac and the Anacostia rivers swimmable pulled him under and him! Is available throughout the year free saltwater angler identification program is required and, even though we saw the,. Its health facilities Bridge is treacherous and deceiving, ” the fire department tweeted of swimming... Are preferred sports on the Potomac River if you are on potomac river swimming area Potomac Sunday. Recreation area is treacherous and deceiving, ” DC fire and EMS warned area! Idea what 's going on under the surface lots along the way miles downstream area due to being. Hurt wading is required a ton of fun highlighted the long awaited swim in State... A rope swing attached the “ D ” grade the River can quickly turn fatal, ” fire... The best kayakers can have trouble navigating the rapids this is certainly true for mighty... You have no idea what 's going on under the surface but if an ambitious effort successful. Management through CO-OP, Potomac DWSP Partnership, and other water resource initiatives Potomac and the Anacostia swimmable! O Canal towpath allows you to cross the Creek so you can the! The Cacapon River take the exit for the mighty Potomac River Gorge, … people...