Can you swim along Augusta’s public riverfront without city permission? | Fact brief

Augusta prohibits swimming in the Kennebec River along or adjacent to city-owned property without written permission from the harbormaster.

The City Council added that exception in June 2022 so the harbormaster could authorize swimming for events, such as an Ironman triathlon. Previously, the ban was outright.

Related Upcoming triathlon sparks city discussion of waiving ban on swimming in Kennebec River in Augusta

The city’s online code incorrectly omits the exception and just says swimming is prohibited. City spokesperson Haley Gauvin said the effective ordinance still includes the permission language, and that the online code is outdated.

The Kennebec had severe pollution when Augusta adopted the ban. The Maine Department of Environmental Protection says untreated waste caused oxygen depletion and fish kills into the late 1970s.

Today, the river through Augusta is “Class B,” meaning state standards designate it as suitable for recreation in and on the water. Still, local officials have cited strong currents as a safety reason to keep the partial ban.