As the summer days get longer and hotter, young people are looking for ways to stay cool and have fun in the water. Swimming in Philadelphia’s rivers, streams, and creeks is illegal and extremely dangerous. Even expert swimmers can get hurt from strong currents and underwater debris. 

Make sure your children know Philadelphia’s water safety rules:

No swimming 

• Swimming and inflatable rafts are not allowed in the Schuylkill River, the Delaware River, and all of Philadelphia’s streams, rivers, and waterways.

Dangers are below the surface

• Strong currents live under calm surfaces of water that can pull you under quickly.
• Underwater rocks, trash, and other debris could injure you or even cause death.
• Urban waterways may contain harmful bacteria that make people sick. 

Don’t jump

• Jumping into a river or watering hole from a high point, such as a cliff or bridge, could seriously injure you or cause death.

Visit your local sprayground

• Parks & Recreation’s more than 90 spraygrounds and spray features will open on July 6.
• Visitors will have to stay at least 6 feet apart.
• Spraygrounds will be open to the public from 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. on weekdays, and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. Weekday access between 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. may be restricted due to Parks & Rec summer camp.

No tubing

• Using inflatable rafts, inner tubes, or similar items is not allowed.
• Safely get on the water by taking part in a kayak tour of the Schuylkill River. 

You can stay cool — and safe! — this summer.