Handbook the first step in developing network of the world’s ‘swimmable’ cities

January 16, 2024

Charting the ‘swimmability’ of cities around the world, the release of the Swimmable Cities Handbook aims to spotlight pioneering aquatic projects in urban waterways around the world.

Referencing Copenhagen’s harbour baths, Zurich’s Zurichsee and the spiritual waters of India’s Ganges, the publication is a practical resource that aims transform the way in which populations and aquatic, recreation and tourism professionals and planners understand and work with urban waterways.

The Swimmable Cities Handbook - An introductory tool for advocates, practitioners and decision-makers includes:

State of Swimmable Cities 2023 survey
Definition of Swimmable Cities & Communities (inc. types of experiences and development models)
Design and Masterplan strategies
Net Benefits framework
Masterplan Concept for a new Birrarung/Yarra River Swimming Trail in Melbourne
Recommendations, and
Additional Resources

Recommendations include:

Establishment of an international Swimmable Cities working group
A Swimmable Cities Summit (for example, in Paris after the 2024 Summer OIympics)
300 new cities starting their journey towards 'swimmability' by 2030 (including strategic alignments to the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration)

More than a decade in the making, the Swimmable Cities Handbook was developed by Matt Sykes, founder of Melbourne-based Regeneration Projects, who has sought to back the urban swimming movement since first visiting a river bathhouse in Zurich in 2011.

The new Handbook builds upon Sykes' previous work, the 2019 Great Victorian Bathing Trail strategy.

Introducing the Handbook, Sykes explains “in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us felt a profound need to connect with nature; for our mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing.

“Urban parks, gardens and waterways weren't just beautiful spaces - they became lifelines.

“As climate change propels us into an uncertain future, urban waterways offer an everyday sanctuary where city-dwellers can 'cool off', rejuvenate, and connect.

“Shouldn't access to 'swimmable' urban waterways be a human right?”

Sykes goes on to state “the global urban swimming movement has the potential to unlock millions of jobs and billions of dollars in regenerative markets. Those cities that position themselves well are set to attract and retain the next generation of talent - from biotech consultants to place-makers, impact investors, Nature rights lawyers and regenerative tourism entrepreneurs.”

He adds that the movement is “not just about swimming.

“It's about an urban regeneration model which can catalyse ecological resilience, community wellbeing, intercultural collaboration, economic innovation and even ways to govern in partnership with nature.”

For those looking for support contact Regeneration Projects’ Chief Operations Officer, Helen Sweatman at helen@regenprojects.earth

Click here to download the Swimmable Cities Handbook.

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