It's also very dangerous to swim in the canals because of motorboats and gondolas circulating the canals constantly and at a rapid pace. Not even on the so-called fondamenta (the seashores) are you allowed to swim. It is even more dangerous, since bigger boats regularly stop by.

In 2026, the answer is a firm "No"—it is neither safe nor legal to swim in the canals of Venice. From a health perspective, the canal water remains highly polluted; despite significant improvements in sewage management over the last decade, much of the city's waste is still traditionally discharged into the canals, where the tide "scours" it away. Swimming poses a high risk of gastrointestinal illness, skin infections, and exposure to waterborne bacteria. Beyond health risks, the canals are extremely dangerous due to heavy boat traffic; gondolas, water taxis (motoscafi), and public vaporetti create powerful currents and have limited visibility, making the risk of being struck by a vessel very high. Furthermore, swimming, wading, or even dipping your feet into the canals is strictly illegal in 2026. Local authorities enforce "decorum" laws with heavy fines starting at €350, and repeat offenders or those performing "stunts" can be issued a formal expulsion order (DASPO) from the city center.