The Hudson Swimmer

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/11/nyregion/the-hudson-swimmer.html

He envisions a day when the water quality has so improved that Manhattan becomes a swimming destination, where fish farms and other aquaculture thrives.

“Years ago, a lot of New Yorkers used to swim in the Hudson, and so did their parents, back when it was even filthier,” he said. “But now we have this obsession with cleanliness.”

EMAIL: character@nytimes.com

Name Ira Gershenhorn

Age 66

What He Does A clean water advocate and a regular swimmer of the Hudson River

Where He’s From Upper West Side

Telling Detail “I come home after swimming and I have to remember to take a shower because I don’t feel dirty,” Mr. Gershenhorn said.