Venetians cope with seasonal floodwater often, but heavy rains from this year severely raised water levels so much that tourists were literally swimming at Venice’s main attraction, St. Mark’s Square. Despite having to endure inundated hotel lobbies and submerged walkways, a few Flickr members found ways to eloquently capture the swamped Italian city — even take a video of two rowers swiftly boating through the rain-swollen canals.

Explore Venice in groups and view photos of Venice Carnival 2012.

Photos from invitojazz, UGO CUTILLI FOTOGRAFO, black_wall, and _ Nemo _.