In the early hours of Saturday, May 24, a major emergency response was launched at the Massachusetts Avenue Bridge—commonly known as the Mass Ave Bridge—after two college students attempted to swim across the Charles River. The incident, which took place around 2:00 a.m., raised widespread concern among first responders and the local community.
According to authorities, a 911 caller reported that two young individuals had jumped into the river and were seen attempting to swim across it in the dark. Emergency crews from the Cambridge Fire Department, local police, and water rescue units were immediately dispatched to the scene.
Rescuers deployed boats and flashlights, scanning the river to locate the swimmers. After a thorough search, both students were found safe and had made it to shore on their own. Neither suffered any injuries, and no hospitalization was necessary, officials confirmed.
A Dangerous Stunt With Serious Implications
The Charles River is a well-known feature of the Boston-Cambridge area, but it is also known for its unpredictable currents, murky water, and cold temperatures—particularly dangerous at night. Swimming in the river is prohibited in most areas unless authorized by special events or safety teams.
“This was not only extremely dangerous but also a huge strain on emergency resources,” said a spokesperson for the Cambridge Fire Department. “We are relieved that no one was hurt, but this situation could have turned tragic.”
The river’s strong currents and limited visibility during nighttime hours make such stunts extremely risky. Officials say even experienced swimmers can quickly become overwhelmed.
Community and Historical Context
This is not the first time emergency responders have been called to the Charles River for rescue operations. In February 2025, a woman had to be pulled from the frigid river waters near the same bridge and was transported to the hospital in serious condition. In another recent incident, a suspicious object in the river prompted a full-scale search, which later turned out to be a mannequin.
The latest incident has rekindled community discussions about water safety, student behavior, and the need for awareness campaigns—especially as summer approaches and more people begin engaging in outdoor activities around the water.
Public Safety Officials Respond
City and university officials are now urging students and residents to exercise caution near the river and to understand the risks associated with unauthorized swimming.
“We understand the thrill-seeking nature of young adults,” said a representative from the Boston University campus safety team, “but we need to balance that with the responsibility to stay safe and protect those around us, including emergency personnel.”
Local organizations, including the YMCA of Greater Boston, have been advocating for water safety education and responsible behavior near water bodies. Their programs encourage both children and adults to learn how to swim safely and understand the importance of respecting water regulations.
Increased Patrols and Awareness Efforts
In response to the incident, authorities say patrols near popular river locations will increase, particularly during nighttime and weekends. Universities have also been asked to distribute safety guidelines to students before the end-of-year celebrations and summer break.
“We will be enhancing our communication with the student body about river safety,” said a Harvard University spokesperson. “Prevention is key to avoiding these kinds of emergencies.”
A Wake-Up Call for Water Safety
Although the two students involved in this weekend’s scare were unharmed, officials are calling the incident a wake-up call.
“This could have ended very differently,” said one responder. “If one of them had panicked, gotten caught in the current, or experienced a medical emergency, we might be talking about a tragedy today.”
Residents are encouraged to use designated swimming areas, attend water safety training, and never swim alone or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
As the city prepares for summer activities along the Charles River, the Mass Ave Bridge incident serves as a reminder of the importance of making smart, safe choices. Emergency responders are on alert, but they stress that prevention is always better than rescue.
For now, the city breathes a sigh of relief—but urges everyone to think twice before taking risky actions near the river.
