The Floating Pool at Beacon Invites Swimmers to Take a Swim

BEACON – The River Pool is securely installed for summer 2018 off the north shore of Pete and Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park, in Beacon, NY. Pool hours are Tuesday-Sunday, 12-6 PM, July-Labor Day, weather permitting. Lifeguards are always present when the pool is open.

The late Pete Seeger, a founding member of the organization, believed that river stewardship begins with being on, near, and in the river. In offering a safe place to swim, the floating River Pool presents just such opportunities. Its mission is to providesafe access to the Hudson River; to educate the general public about the importance of continuing to preserve and clean the Hudson River; to promote swimming as a fun, healthful fitness activity in a natural environment; and to demonstrate to other communities the viability of floating pools by building a successful prototype. The twofold joy of the pool-allowing its users to enjoy a cool river swim on a hot summer day while carrying forward Pete’s legacy has been experienced by its wide community of supporters and users: About 11,000 people have swum in the floating pool during the past 12 years. Volunteers install the pool each June, and take it out of the river in September.

This valuable community asset is made possible in large part by the swimmers, kayak escorts, and volunteers who participate in The Annual Great Newburgh to Beacon Hudson River Swim. The 2018 swim, marking the 15th anniversary of the cross river swim, will take place on Saturday, July 28 (rain date July 29), with splash-in at approximately 9:15 am.

Contributions raised by swimmers are used to maintain and operate the pool, free to all visitors. Seasonal costs average $40,000. Thus each swimmer raises a minimum $100 in addition to the $75 registration fee that covers the cost of the fundraising swim. Volunteer kayak escorts guide the 200+ swimmers across the Hudson River in a ratio of one kayak for every 2-3 swimmers to provide a safe and equable environment for registered participants.

The US Coast Guard approves river use for the event. Dutchess and Orange County Sheriffs’ vessels, additional safety marine support, and qualified jet skiers aid in halting river traffic and provide safe passage for the registered swimmers. Mobile Life Support Services and Beacon Volunteer Ambulance Corps will be available on Newburgh and Beacon shores. Registration for the swim is open at www.riverpool.org.

River Pool at Beacon Inc. is a not-for-profit 501c3. For additional information about the pool, the swim, volunteering on shore, as a kayak escort, other organization volunteer opportunities, or to make a donation: go to www.riverpool.org.