How to Swim in Reservoirs
- 1). Check your town or county laws before swimming in any reservoir. Rules about reservoir swimming vary widely. In some areas, swimming in reservoirs is forbidden, and some reservoirs are patrolled by local law enforcement. In other areas, reservoirs are open for swimming and even have lifeguards. Check with your police department or park service, and be careful to observe all posted signs when you do swim in a reservoir.
- 2). Ask your park service if the reservoir is clean and safe for swimming. Sometimes even reservoirs that are legally open for swimming can have algae and bacteria that can make you sick and irritate your skin. If you do decide to swim anyway, you should use goggles and shower after swimming.
- 3). Use the buddy system. You should never swim alone in a reservoir; they are often isolated, and it can be difficult for help to get to you in time. In addition, even if you go to the reservoir with a group, you should pair up, and each person should know where his swimming buddy is at all times, to prevent someone from coming to harm.
- 4). Stay visible. When you are swimming, wear brightly-colored clothing; a neon swimming cap can be particularly helpful. You will be much safer if you stay in sight of others in your party and keep your head above water as much as possible.
- 5). Be wary of undertows. Reservoirs, particularly those with hidden pipes, are very susceptible to undertows that can make swimming quite dangerous. If you feel conditions are unsafe, exit the reservoir immediately.
- 6). Keep your body warm. Reservoir water temperatures are often extremely cold -- sometimes barely above freezing. If you become too cold, you can experience hypothermia and decreased blood flow to your core, which can cause extreme weakness and impair your ability to swim and get out of the reservoir. Guard against cold by wearing a wetsuit or taking frequent breaks.
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