Can you swim here today?
Riverwalk
Chicago, Illinois · Tourist attraction
Use caution — flow is well above normal for this date
Use cautionAs of October 20, 2026, USGS gauge 05536123, 0.1 miles away, reports a streamflow of 524 ft³/s near Riverwalk but no water-temperature reading.
Use caution — flow is well above normal for this date: live streamflow is available but no water-temperature sensor is nearby.
- Live streamflow is available but no water-temperature sensor is nearby. — USGS gauge 05536123, as of Oct 20, 12:26 AM gauge-local time
- Flow is above the 75th percentile for Oct 20 (median 107 ft³/s over 10 years); fast water is the top river-drowning risk. — USGS daily streamflow statistics, as of Oct 20, 12:26 AM gauge-local time
Flow is high for this date — above the 75th percentile for Oct 20 (median 107 ft³/s over 10 years).
No official beach-advisory feed for Illinois yet — follow posted signs and local guidance.
Live, provisional data from USGS gauge CHICAGO RIVER AT COLUMBUS DRIVE AT CHICAGO, IL (0.1 mi away), as of Oct 20, 12:26 AM gauge-local time.
Before you get in
- Never swim alone — and keep weaker swimmers within arm's reach.
- Scout depth and entry/exit points before you get in.
- Read the current: avoid fast, rising, or murky water.
- Check the forecast — get out well before storms or lightning.
- Obey posted signs, flags, and lifeguard guidance.
Read next
Conditions are for general information only and can change quickly. Always judge the water in person and follow posted advisories and local guidance before swimming or paddling.