Start your World Lake Day with a splash and a cause. On 27 August, join us for a symbolic sunrise swim at Stockholm’s brand-new Marieviksbadet to celebrate healthy, accessible, swimmable urban waters.

The Sunrise Swim for Lakes is part of World Water Week 2025, whose theme Water for Climate Action highlights the central role of water in tackling the climate crisis. Lakes are frontline systems for climate adaptation – regulating local climates, storing carbon, and supporting biodiversity – yet they are disappearing at alarming rates. Accessing lakes and urban waterways unlocks societal potential and bridges racial and societal divides, securing environmental health and climate justice. By taking the conversation from the conference hall to the water’s edge, we’re making a visible commitment to protect these vital ecosystems.

Organised by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) together with the Global Commission on the Economics of Water (GCEW), the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), and Swimmable Cities, this symbolic morning swim embodies the collaborative spirit of World Water Week. It is open to delegates and the public alike, reflecting the Week’s mission to connect knowledge with action, build partnerships across sectors, and inspire collective solutions for a more resilient future.

Program:

(Optional - 06:30 - Meet at Stockholm Waterfront Congress Centre main entrance, to commute by Metro with colleagues)

07:00 – Welcome remarks @ Marieviksbadet
07:05 – Morning Swim & Group Photo
07:20 – Coffee & Swedish cinnamon buns
07:45 – Return to the city
08:15 – Ready for the day’s conference sessions

Why Join?

Celebrate lakes as climate heroes
Support the global right to safe, swimmable water
Connect with water leaders, advocates, and Stockholm locals
Experience Stockholm from its most beautiful vantage point – the water

What to Bring:
Swimwear, towel, warm layers for after the swim, and your enthusiasm!

Notes:
Participation is at your own responsibility, following local guidelines.

Let’s put urban swimming on the global water agenda – see you at the water’s edge!

More info:

hello@swimmablecities.org