The Potomac River, which borders Washington, D.C. and Maryland, stretches for hundreds of miles and is an important natural resource for the area. Due to its bustling aquatic life and fun recreational activities like boating and kayaking, the Potomac is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. A century ago, tens of thousands of people would swim in its waters on hot summer days. However, since the 1970s, swimming in the river has been illegal due to pollution concerns, and advocates now argue that it is time to change what they call archaic laws.