Triathletes competing in The Nation's Triathlon in September have been exempted from the law banning swimming in the Potomac River after the DC Council passed the DC Triathlon Act. This amendment keeps the current ban on swimming for the public intact but amends the law to state that "...swimming shall be allowed on September 29, 2007 by those persons who are registered participants in the triathlon organized and hosted by The Nation's Triathlon..."

This first time swim exemption comes on the heels of more than 20 months of work between The Nation's Triathlon and numerous DC Agencies that included sustained water quality testing and the development of swimmer safety plans. The act was passed only after tests results continuously demonstrated the water to be swim-quality safe.

"We thank the DC Council for passing this important legislation and supporting triathlon in the nation's capital," said Charles Brodsky, founder of The Nation's Triathlon. "This legislation clears the way for the issuance of the swim permit which we still require in order to produce the race."

Water quality will be tested up until race day. The legislation contains a provision that calls for the cancellation of the swim if water quality does not meet swimming standards. Brodsky said, "Like other triathlons, this one is now in the hands of Mother Nature. If she keeps the rain away we'll have watch a magnificent triathlon swim take place right in Georgetown Harbor."

The prohibition on swimming in the Potomac is still in full force and effect. Triathletes in the race will be supported by dozens of kayaks, EMS patrol craft, and other safety measures. In addition, the water must be tested and verified safe before the event. The Nation's Triathlon and the agencies of the DC Government urge people NOT to go swimming in the Potomac River.

The Nation's Triathlon LLC, a Washington, DC-based production company, owns The Nation's Triathlon, a USAT-sanctioned Olympic distance triathlon. Competitors swim 1.5 kilometers, bike 40K and run 10K.

More information can be found at www.thenationstriathlon.com.