Is it considered safe to swim in the waters of the Whanganui River?

While the Whanganui River is considered safe for swimming, it is important to be aware that water conditions can vary. The water quality at Town Bridge, a popular swimming spot, is typically graded as fair for swimming. This means it is safe to swim there, except for periods following rainfall or river freshes, which may temporarily impact water quality. It is advisable to stay informed about local advisories and exercise caution when swimming in any natural body of water.