Swimming & Beach Health Basics

Recreation & Safety

Enjoy the water safely and keep beaches clean—for people, pets, and the lake itself.

Why Beaches Sometimes Post Advisories

  • Fecal indicator bacteria (E. coli): Used as a signal of possible contamination. It does not identify the exact source (geese, pets, septic leaks, storm runoff) but helps gauge risk
  • After storms: Heavy rain washes bacteria and nutrients from streets, yards, and soils into the near-shore
  • Warm, calm spells: Shallow water warms up and circulation slows—bacteria and algae can build
  • High use days: Lots of swimmers can stir bottom sediments where bacteria linger

Advisory = caution, not panic. Local health departments set thresholds and sampling plans. Conditions are re-checked; advisories lift when samples return to acceptable levels.

Swimmer's Itch (Cercarial Dermatitis)

What it is

An itchy rash caused by tiny parasites from snails and waterfowl. It's uncomfortable but not contagious

Where it happens

Warm, shallow, wind-blown coves with lots of snails and birds

Reduce your risk
  • Choose deeper, clearer stretches away from strong on-shore winds
  • Towel-dry vigorously right after leaving the water; rinse if showers are available
  • Avoid lingering where snails are common (weedy, mucky shallows) during hot, calm spells
  • Consider water shoes; avoid sitting on the bottom

Simple Pre-Swim Check (1 Minute)

  • Look: Is water clear enough to see your feet knee-deep? Any scum, paint-like streaks, or unusual colors? If yes, skip the swim
  • Smell: Sewage or strong musty odors? Skip
  • Scan the shore: Lots of fresh bird or pet droppings? Choose a different spot

Hygiene & Personal Safety

  • Shower before and after swimming if possible; at minimum, soap up hands before eating
  • Keep water out of your mouth. Teach kids not to swallow lake water
  • Cover cuts with a waterproof bandage; avoid swimming with open wounds
  • Hydrate & shade: Heat and sun reflect off water—use hats, shade breaks, and water
  • Foot protection: Wear water shoes around sharp shells (e.g., zebra mussels), rocks, glass, or hooks

Pets at the Beach

  • Never let pets drink from scummy water or during algae blooms
  • Rinse off after a swim; towel-dry to reduce itch risk
  • Bag pet waste—on the beach, trails, and near the water

When to Avoid Swimming (Rule-of-Thumb)

  • Visible scum or paint-like streaks (possible harmful algal bloom)
  • 24–48 hours after heavy rain in developed areas
  • If an advisory or closure is posted by local authorities

Understanding Test Results (Plain Language)

  • Single-day spikes happen. Wind and waves can concentrate or dilute bacteria
  • Trends matter. Re-sampling helps confirm whether conditions are improving
  • Local standards vary. Follow your local health department guidance posted at the site

Beach Care That Helps Water Quality

  • Keep leaves, grass, and food scraps out of the water
  • Feed wildlife? Please don't. It attracts birds and raises bacteria
  • Designate a foot-wash station (bucket and spigot) to keep sand out of the lake and reduce bottom disturbance
  • Vegetate edges upstream of the beach to filter runoff; keep a low-mow buffer where possible

Weather & Water Conditions

  • Lightning: If you hear thunder, leave the water and seek shelter
  • Cold shock: Early-season swims can be risky even on warm days—enter slowly and use a buddy
  • Waves & drop-offs: Lakes can have steep shelves; keep non-swimmers in life jackets

Quick Beach Day Checklist

  • Water shoes and towels
  • Drinking water and shade
  • Hand soap/sanitizer and bandage for cuts
  • Waste bags for pets and trash
  • Check for advisories before you go

Bottom Line

Pick clear, circulating water; avoid scums and post-storm runoff; rinse and towel-dry after swimming; and keep wildlife and waste out of the water. Healthy beach habits keep everyone safe—and the lake cleaner.

Related Topics

Key Takeaways

  • Do a 1-minute pre-swim check
  • Avoid swimming 24-48 hours after heavy rain
  • Towel-dry vigorously to reduce swimmer's itch
  • Never let pets drink scummy water
  • Cover cuts with waterproof bandages
  • Check for posted advisories

Pre-Swim Quick Check

  1. Look: Clear water?
  2. Smell: No sewage odor?
  3. Scan: No excessive droppings?

Swimmer's Itch Prevention

  • Choose deeper, clearer water
  • Towel-dry vigorously after
  • Avoid weedy, mucky shallows
  • Consider water shoes

Skip Swimming If...

  • Visible scum or streaks
  • 24-48 hrs after heavy rain
  • Advisory posted
  • Strong sewage smell

Beach Advisories

Check with your local health department for current beach water quality advisories and testing schedules.

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