Stay Safe on the Water

Understanding Open Water Risks

Open water environments are fundamentally different from swimming pools, and those differences create hazards that many recreational swimmers underestimate. Unlike the clear, controlled, and shallow conditions of a pool, lakes and rivers present variable depth, limited visibility, currents, uneven bottoms, underwater obstacles, cold water temperatures, and distance from shore that can quickly exhaust even experienced swimmers.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, natural water settings account for the highest proportion of drowning deaths among people aged 15 and older. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which manages thousands of lakes and reservoirs, reports that the majority of drowning fatalities at their sites involve people who did not intend to enter the water — they fell from boats, docks, or shorelines without wearing life jackets.

Understanding these risks is not about discouraging anyone from enjoying the outdoors. It is about approaching open water with the preparation and respect it deserves. The following sections cover the key areas of lake and open water safety that every outdoor enthusiast should know.

Swimming in Open Water

Know Before You Go

Before swimming in any lake, river, or reservoir, research the specific conditions at your destination. Key factors to investigate include whether swimming is permitted, whether lifeguards are present, known hazards such as drop-offs or currents, water quality advisories, and recent weather conditions that may affect water levels or clarity.

Many public lakes and state parks provide information about designated swimming areas, which are typically surveyed for hazards and may have lifeguards on duty during peak season. Swimming within designated areas dramatically reduces risk compared to swimming in unsupervised locations.

Hazards Unique to Open Water

• Limited visibility: Lake water is often murky due to sediment, algae, and tannins. Swimmers cannot see the bottom, underwater objects, or other swimmers below the surface. This makes it difficult to identify hazards and nearly impossible for bystanders to spot a submerged person.
• Uneven and unpredictable bottom: Lake beds can drop off suddenly from shallow to deep water. Rocks, branches, and other debris may be hidden beneath the surface. Mud can create suction around feet and ankles.
• Currents: Even lakes can have currents near inflows, outflows, and dam structures. Rivers and streams always have current, which can be deceptively strong even in water that appears calm on the surface.
• Distance: In a pool, the nearest wall is never more than a few body lengths away. In open water, swimmers can find themselves far from shore and unable to rest.
• Aquatic life: Depending on location, hazards may include fish hooks, fishing line, sharp shells, and in some areas, harmful algal blooms.

Open Water Swimming Safety Tips

• Never swim alone. Always bring a buddy and let someone on shore know your plans.
• Swim parallel to shore rather than away from it to avoid getting too far from safety.
• Enter feet first in unfamiliar water — never dive or jump.
• Wear a brightly colored swim cap to increase visibility.
• If caught in a current, swim perpendicular to it rather than fighting directly against it.
• Know your limits. Open water swimming is far more demanding than pool swimming.

Boating Safety Essentials

Boating is one of the most popular recreational activities at lakes across the country, and it comes with significant safety responsibilities. The U.S. Coast Guard's annual recreational boating statistics report consistently identifies drowning as the leading cause of death in boating accidents, with the vast majority of victims not wearing life jackets.

Before You Launch

Every boat operator should complete a boating safety education course approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA). Many states require this certification by law, but even where it is optional, the knowledge gained is invaluable.

Before every outing, perform a pre-departure checklist: verify that you have enough life jackets for every person on board, check weather forecasts, ensure the engine is functioning properly, confirm you have a charged fire extinguisher, working navigation lights, visual distress signals, and a sound-producing device. File a float plan with someone on shore that includes your destination, expected return time, and the number of people aboard.

Life Jackets: Your Most Important Gear

Life jackets — officially called personal flotation devices or PFDs — are the single most effective piece of safety equipment for preventing drowning in open water. The U.S. Coast Guard reports that approximately 75 percent of fatal boating accident drowning victims were not wearing a life jacket. The evidence is clear: wearing a life jacket saves lives.

Choosing the Right Life Jacket

Not all life jackets are the same. The key is selecting one that is U.S. Coast Guard-approved, appropriate for your activity, and properly fitted. A life jacket that does not fit correctly can ride up over the head, slip off, or fail to keep the wearer's face above water.

• Type I (Offshore): Best for rough or remote water where rescue may be slow. Turns most unconscious wearers face-up. Bulky but highly buoyant.
• Type II (Near-Shore): Good for calm inland water where quick rescue is likely. May turn some unconscious wearers face-up. Less bulky than Type I.
• Type III (Flotation Aid): Most comfortable for continuous wear during water sports, fishing, and kayaking. Not designed to turn unconscious wearers face-up. The wearer must be able to position themselves.
• Type V (Special Use): Designed for specific activities such as kayaking, waterskiing, or commercial use. Must be worn to count as a PFD on board.
• Inflatable PFDs: Compact and comfortable, inflatable life jackets are popular among adults. They are not approved for children under 16 or for non-swimmers. They must be properly maintained with charged CO2 cartridges.

Cold Water Dangers

Cold water is one of the most underestimated hazards in open water recreation. Many lakes, especially in northern states, spring-fed lakes, and mountain reservoirs, remain dangerously cold even during summer months. Water does not need to be freezing to be deadly — water temperatures below 70°F begin to affect swimming ability, and temperatures below 60°F can lead to rapid incapacitation.

Stages of Cold Water Immersion

1. Cold shock (0–2 minutes): The initial gasp reflex upon entering cold water can cause immediate water inhalation. Hyperventilation and panic make it difficult to control breathing. This is the most dangerous phase and causes many deaths within the first minute.
2. Swimming failure (2–15 minutes): As blood flow is redirected to the core, arms and legs lose strength and coordination. The ability to swim deteriorates rapidly. Without a life jacket, the person may be unable to keep their head above water.
3. Hypothermia (15–45 minutes): Core body temperature drops below 95°F. Confusion, drowsiness, and loss of consciousness follow. Without rescue, death occurs from cardiac arrest.
4. Post-rescue collapse: Even after rescue, rewarming must be done carefully. Sudden changes in body position or rough handling can cause cardiac arrest in severely hypothermic individuals.