Photo: Chicago River Swim returns after 116 years

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On Sunday, roughly 500 participants jumped in Lake Michigan for the Chicago River Swim, 116 years after a similar event prompted the Tribune headline: “Germs Of Chicago River Mere Bagatelle To Girl.” This year, the swim was held in Lake Michigan after the city denied a permit due to health safety concerns.

Spectators watch as swimmers wade into the water off Ohio Street Beach to begin the race on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024, as the inaugural Chicago River Swim is held in Lake Michigan. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
Swimmers start their race in the water off Ohio Street Beach on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
Swimmers start their race in the water off Ohio Street Beach on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
Mariel Hawley, center, of Mexico City, prepares to dive into the water at Ohio Street Beach on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
Mariel Hawley, center, of Mexico City, prepares to dive into the water at Ohio Street Beach on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
Swimmers cross the finish line on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
Swimmers cross the finish line on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
Heather Berken, center, of Wisconsin and other swimmers wade into the water off Ohio Street Beach to begin the race on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
Heather Berken, center, of Wisconsin and other swimmers wade into the water off Ohio Street Beach to begin the race on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
Spectators cheer in the rain as swimmers cross the finish line on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024, as the inaugural Chicago River Swim is held in Lake Michigan. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
Spectators cheer in the rain as swimmers cross the finish line on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024, as the inaugural Chicago River Swim is held in Lake Michigan. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
Spectators watch swimmers compete in the water off Ohio Street Beach on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
Spectators watch swimmers compete in the water off Ohio Street Beach on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
Mariel Hawley, of Mexico City, races alongside other competitors off Ohio Street Beach on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024, as the inaugural Chicago River Swim is held in Lake Michigan. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
Mariel Hawley, of Mexico City, races alongside other competitors off Ohio Street Beach on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024, as the inaugural Chicago River Swim is held in Lake Michigan. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
Swimmers prepare to wade into the water off Ohio Street Beach to begin the race Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024, as the inaugural Chicago River Swim is held in Lake Michigan. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
Swimmers prepare to wade into the water off Ohio Street Beach to begin the race Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024, as the inaugural Chicago River Swim is held in Lake Michigan. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
Medals are prepared for finishers Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
Medals are prepared for finishers on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
Becca Mann smiles after being the first swimmer to cross the finish line Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024, as the inaugural Chicago River Swim is held in Lake Michigan. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
Becca Mann smiles after being the first swimmer to cross the finish line Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024, as the inaugural Chicago River Swim is held in Lake Michigan. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
Swimmers wade into the water off Ohio Street Beach to begin the race on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
Swimmers wade into the water off Ohio Street Beach to begin the race on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

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