> i've also accidentially fallen in the river a couple of times over the past two years, and i will confirm that the water is safe I believe for open water swi

> i've also accidentially fallen in the river a couple of times over the past two years, and i will confirm that the water is safe I believe for open water swimming, the definition of 'safety' they're aiming for includes checking the water for human faeces and bacteria like e.coli. A one-in-250 chance of getting diarrhoea the next day is no problem for clumsy drunks, who'll just be glad to make it out - but for a health/fitness event it's undesirable.