Is it safe to go to the Jordan River?

Q – Is it safe to recreate in or near the Jordan River? A – Currently, we have a “Caution” on the Jordan River. This means that you should avoid areas of scum when boating, keep pets away, do not drink the water, and not swim.



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While the headwaters are relatively unaffected, the Lower Jordan River consists primarily of untreated sewage and agricultural return flows, groundwater seepage, as well as brackish water from springs diverted into the river away from the Lake Tiberias area. The Lower Jordan River in particular is extremely polluted.

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Several natural and man-made hazards exist along the river, some of which have cost people their lives. It is important to scout out your route before attempting to paddle the river, and to know where and when to exit the river safely.

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The Bible says Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River. The river's eastern bank, modern-day Jordan, and its western one both house baptismal sites, where rituals of faith unfold, a reflection of the river's enduring religious, historical and cultural allure.

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Although the exact spot where the water is now is not historical, like the old baptism site, it is still spiritual. It's what the Jordan River represents that is so important. It's where Christians of today can come and perform baptisms in the same river where John the Baptist performed one on Jesus 2000 years ago.

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The Jordan River has been a repository for waste since the settling of the Salt Lake Valley. For 100 years, raw, untreated sewage was dumped into the river; farming and animal runoff occurred; and mining operations led to 40 smelters being built and contaminating the river with heavy metals, mostly arsenic and lead.

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They recommend against all travel to the following locations:
  • Within 3.5 km of the Jordanian border with Syria, and east of the town of Ruwayshid.
  • Designated Syrian refugee camps in Jordan due to government restrictions.
  • Zarqa, Rusayfah, and the Baqa'a neighbourhood of Ayn Basha due to risks of terrorism and crime.


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Boaters must always wear appropriate personal flotation devices (PFDs) and having any other safety equipment necessary for safe paddling. Conditions on the river can change without warning. Periods of high water flow, such as during spring snow melt or after storm events can create new or different hazards.

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The Sea of Galilee is not isolated, it is part of a water basin comprising the Jordan River and the Dead Sea, too. If it shrinks, everything else shrinks faster. Shortly before dawn, Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake...

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There are currently two openings on the River Jordan itself where you can be baptized. One place is beside the Greek Orthodox church, and the other is near the Catholic church. In addition to these two places, we also have Baptism Fountains (for children), and a Baptism Pool (for adults) available.

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Population growth, diminished water supplies and climate change have all taken their toll, while damaged and inefficient infrastructure and the considerable challenges posed by Jordan's geography and topography have only made things worse.

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