Lujiazui Water Park in Shanghai sees elderly people swimming freely. Is it really safe? Netizens are discussing heatedly.

This article is reprinted from the 【Morning News】;

Recently, some residents of Shanghai reported seeing four elderly people swimming in the wild near the Lujiazui Water Ring and Zhangjiabang. Citizens noted that there were signs prohibiting climbing near the river but no signs prohibiting swimming.

Residents stated that there were no security personnel present at the scene, so can people swim in this area? Is swimming safe for citizens here?

A search revealed that two years ago, residents witnessed people swimming in the Zhangjiabang water area.

In response, the deputy director of the community management office in Huamu Street, Pudong New District, said that the water quality of Zhangjiabang is classified as Grade III under normal conditions. Although the water quality is suitable for swimming, the depth is 3.6 meters, and swimming in the wild poses safety risks.

Citizens are currently advised not to swim in this area, and staff conducting inspections will advise against it if they encounter swimmers.

Zhangjiabang is a district-level waterway and is one of the main tributaries of the Huangpu River, forming part of the Pudong New District’s “five horizontal and six vertical” main waterways. It has a current length of 24.38 kilometers and runs east-west, starting from the Huangpu River and extending to the East Water Gate, connecting with major waterways such as Majia Bang, Caojiagou, and Pudong Canal.

In 2022, the Zhangjiabang small watershed was recognized by the Ministry of Water Resources as a national demonstration project for soil and water conservation. In 2023, the Zhangjiabang Lujiazui Water Ring was completed, enhancing the river environment and surrounding landscape, providing citizens with a comprehensive waterfront landscape to enjoy and connect with water.

In recent years, Pudong has also been continuously promoting the construction of water rings. Deputy Director Shen stated that in the future, certain water sports may be allowed in the Huamu section (excluding swimming for now).

Previous reports

Cai Jiabang in Putuo District has maintained water quality above Grade III for a long time due to systematic management of river governance, becoming a true clear water river. However, it has also attracted many wild swimming enthusiasts.

Around Cai Jiabang, management authorities have set up numerous warning signs in nearby areas, reminding citizens: “This area has experienced multiple drowning incidents; do not risk your life!”

“We do not recommend or advocate swimming in the river. Firstly, due to health reasons. There are no relevant regulations regarding coliform bacteria and other indicators in river water quality management. Bacteria present in the river can come into contact with skin and wounds, easily causing infections for swimmers. Secondly, due to safety reasons. Safety facilities around the river are not equipped to the standards of swimming pools, and the conditions in wild water areas are complex, making it easy for wild swimmers to get entangled in submerged vegetation. The temperature difference between the water surface and underwater can easily cause cramps for wild swimmers, increasing the risk of choking and drowning,” explained a staff member from the Changzheng Town River Chief System Office.

However, despite Changzheng Town increasing the number, frequency, and duration of river patrols during peak periods, many citizens still flock to Cai Jiabang to swim, leading to persistent wild swimming incidents due to the spread of information on online platforms.

“Currently, the laws and regulations do not have a clear prohibition against wild swimming, which also increases the difficulty of discouraging it,” the aforementioned staff member stated.

Whether swimming is allowed in Shanghai’s waterways

has sparked heated discussions among netizens.

Some believe that unmanaged wild swimming is incompatible with the beautiful environment and poses safety risks.

Others feel that it is better to designate an area for water activities and strengthen management instead of outright prohibiting swimming.

Source | Morning News, Lu Jingjun, compiled from Minsheng One Network and previous reports