Is Swimmability the Next Frontier in Urban Resilience?

Swimmable Cities launched in July 2024 to help cities make rivers, lakes, and waterfronts safe and swimmable. What began as a grassroots initiative has expanded to 193 organizations in 100 cities across 34 countries. Co-founder Chris Romer-Lee, creator of the Thames Baths floating pool, will discuss how “swimmability” is reshaping urban life, similar to “walkability.” Following the Paris Olympics, cities are reimagining waterways as vibrant public spaces. By 2030, Swimmable Cities aims to assist 300 cities in achieving clean, accessible waterways, providing a platform for tracking progress and sharing insights. This panel includes key spokespeople to discuss the future of urban swimming in London by 2050, and the Mayor of London’s wider plans to transform London’s waterways – ensuring they are clean, healthy, safe and a source of joy and wellbeing for Londoners.