Crossing the Hudson for River Pool’s Decade

NEWBURGH/BEACON – When the River Pool, off the north shore of Pete and Toshi Riverfront Park, in Beacon, NY, opens in early July, the 10th summer offering a safe way to to get into the Hudson River will begin. The ability to continue this valuable community service is made possible in large part by the swimmers, kayak escorts, and volunteers who participate in the cross Hudson fundraising swim.
This year, the 13th Annual Great Newburgh to Beacon Hudson River Swim, will take place on Saturday, August 6. Registration is officially open. Kayak Escorts and land based volunteers provide a safe and equable environment for registered participants to swim across the Hudson River. The contributions raised by swimmers are used to maintain and operate the existing River Pool.  Seasonal costs average $40,000. Each swimmer raises a minimum $100 in addition to the $60 registration fee. Many participants bring far more. A free-of-charge, fully lifeguarded, river swimming facility, results from this combined generous commitment to support the not-for-profit 501(c)(3) River Pool at Beacon organization.

During the event, vessels on the river, including Dutchess and Orange County Sheriffs marine unitsand 2-3 qualified jet skiers, aid in halting river traffic and accompany swimmers across the river. The US Coast Guard approves river use and provides additional support. Kayak Escorts guide the 200+ swimmers across the river in a ratio of one kayak for every 2-3 swimmers. Mobile Life Support Services and Beacon Volunteer Ambulance Corps will be available on Newburgh and Beacon shores.

The river pool reflects the belief of founding member Pete Seeger, that river stewardship begins with being on, near, and most of all in, the river. River Pool at Beacon advocates education about the Hudson River estuary, environmental preservation, and offers a resource for community and visitors. Emphasis on public safety, environmental sensitivity, and challenges of the river, are at the forefront of the group’s projects. Members of the organization and community volunteers install the pool each June, and take it out of the river in September. New volunteers are always welcome.

The current rainbow pool is nearing the end of its design life. Work on the design for a larger, deeper pool is already in the process. River access off Long Dock Park would be an ideal choice for the pool, considering water quality and river depth. Unfortunately, Scenic Hudson, the owner Long Dock Park, is not able to offer their approval for access. River Pool at Beacon is continuing to explore the possibilities for a solution that will extend this invaluable community resource into the future.

Splash-in on August 6 is at approximately 11:20 am. The rain date is August 7. The River Pool will be open this summer July-Labor Day, Tuesday-Sunday, 12 pm-6 pm, weather permitting. For additional information about River Pool, the swim, volunteering on shore, as a kayak escort, and other organization volunteer opportunities, or to make a donation: go to www.riverpool.org.