Swim Smart

Taking a dip in one of Ohio’s numerous inland lakes is a fun way to enjoy summer, but be sure to follow these simple guidelines.

For Ohio families looking for a fun way to spend a summer day, there is a lake — either natural or manmade — with a swimming beach no farther than an hour away, and usually much closer, says Lt. Dawn Powell of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Parks and Watercraft. But lake swimming is different than plunging into a pool and requires precautions. “You don’t necessarily know what is under the water’s surface,” Powell says. Wind and weather can also make lake swimming unpredictable. Here’s how to navigate the variables so you can focus on enjoying your time in the water.

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Wind A light breeze can accelerate into strong wind quickly, pushing you out farther than you planned. For this reason, floaties like rafts are not allowed in the state parks’ inland lakes. Wind can quickly carry a raft beyond the safe swimming zone, where depths can drop drastically, Powell says. When lake swimming, always bring along a life jacket and require children to wear them.

Weather. Keep an eye to the sky for signs of a storm on the way. “If you see dark clouds coming from any direction, exit the water,” Powell advises. Never go in the water if there is thunder or lightning and stay out of the water for 30 minutes after the last lightning strike.

Warmth Consider how far along summer has progressed when planning a swimming outing with the family for optimal water temperature. “Most of our inland lakes do not start warming up until mid-June,” Powell says, “and water is warmest in September.”

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