Ultra-marathon open swimmer and artist Katie Pumphrey said Thursday she plans to complete the 24-mile “Bay to Baltimore” swim again this summer.
Pumphrey, who initially posted the announcement on social media, said she will make the swim from the Chesapeake Bay to the Inner Harbor in May. She first completed the swim in 2024, becoming the first person to do so, bringing awareness to Baltimore’s efforts to make the harbor safe for swimming and recreational use.
“The Bay to Baltimore swim is not just a personal challenge — it’s about celebrating our city’s progress and encouraging more people to experience recreation on the water,” Pumphrey said in a news release.
For over a decade, Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore has committed to cleaning up the harbor. Initiatives like Mr. Trash Wheel, which intercepts litter on the water, and the Healthy Harbor Initiative have contributed to their efforts.
Mr. Trash Wheel, located at the end of the Jones Falls River, pulls large quantities of trash out the water each year. In 2022, the wheel collected over 1 million plastic bottles, over 950,000 plastic bags and over 2,500 tons of trash, according to Waterfront Partnership’s 2023 annual report.
Pumphrey’s swim window this year is May 18 to May 23, with a specific date dependent on optimal tides, water temperature and weather conditions.
Water quality is a key factor in determining a final date, the release said, noting that Waterfront Partnership plans to resume water quality testing during the first weekend in May. The testing will help set a firm time for the swim, ensuring Pumphrey is swimming in safe conditions.
Waterfront Partnership advises people to avoid the harbor water at least 48 hours after heavy rainfall, due to potential runoff of pollutants into the water.
“Katie’s swim is a testament to how far Baltimore has come in making our waterways more accessible for recreation,” said Adam Lindquist, vice president of Waterfront Partnership in a release. “Her dedication not only inspires others but also highlights the importance of continued investment in clean water efforts.”
Once a final date is set, Marylanders can track Pumphrey’s progress through her website and see her at the finish line at the Harborplace Amphitheater.
Alongside Pumphrey in the water will be two support swimmers who will occasionally alternate swimming beside her, two support boats and a support crew of eight to 10 people, including some who will rotate kayaking close to her, the release said.
“I hope this continues to inspire others to embrace the possibilities of our harbor and to be part of the movement toward a clearer, more accessible waterfront for everyone,” Pumphrey said. “To be able to continue to celebrate and highlight Baltimore through my sport is an honor and a dream come true.”
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