Swimming

Don't forget your personal flotation device (PFD)

Gary Ladd

Swimming is a popular activity at Lake Powell, especially in the summer when water temperatures can surpass 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Please be aware that there are no life guards or designated swim beaches at Lake Powell or on the Colorado River. Water Quality conditions can change at your favorite swim areas depending on high visitor use, recent storms, rising lake waters, new algal blooms, and waste from wildlife, livestock, and previous visitors coming in contact with the lake waters. Swim at your own risk.

Where can I swim?

All of Lake Powell is open to swimmers except at all marinas and launch areas and within the boundaries of Rainbow Bridge National Monument. In the event of a hazardous water quatily situation, an area may be temporarily closed. Access to swimming areas is mostly by boat. We do not recommend swimming in the main channel in the path of other vessels.

If you do not have a boat, these swimming areas are accessible by vehicle and either closed to boats or in a wakeless zone:

• The Chains
• Wahweap Swim Beach
• Lone Rock Beach
• Hobie Cat Beach
• Stanton Creek Primitive Camping Area

Swimming Safety Tips

From the American Red Cross and The National Park Service:

• Always swim with a buddy; do not allow anyone to swim alone.
• Never leave a young child unattended near water and do not trust a child’s life to another child; teach children to always ask permission to go near water.
• Have young children and inexperienced swimmers wear US Coast Guard-approved life jackets around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone.
• Maintain constant supervision. Avoid distractions when supervising children around water.
• Swim Sober.
• If you swim from a boat, make sure the boat is secure. Never start the engine while swimmers are overboard.
• Cliff Jumping/Cliff Diving is illegal. It is prohibited for any person to jump or dive off of rock cliffs, ledges, or man-made structures (excluding vessels). The National Park Service does not advocate or promote the activity of cliff jumping or diving regardless of the height from the water surface. For the purpose of this restriction, cliff, ledge, or man-made structure is defined to mean any formation of rock or soil, or structure, or combination thereof having a height of 15’ or more from the surface of the water.
• Read even more water safety tips from the National Park Service.

 

Do Not Swim in Marinas

Swimming is prohibited at all marinas and launch areas. There are potentially lethal safety concerns in marina waters. Electrical faults from vessels or docks can electrocute swimmers. Boat traffic and propeller strikes can maim or kill.

 

At the Beach: Sunglasses, Sandals, Sunscreen, and Safe Practices

• Protect your skin. Limit the amount of direct sunlight you receive between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm and wear sunscreen with a protection factor of at least 15.

• Drink plenty of water regularly, even if you’re not thirsty. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine in them.

• Protect your eyes, wear sunglasses that will absorb at least 90 percent of UV sunlight.

• Wear foot protection such as closed toed sandals. The sand can burn your feet and glass, quagga mussel shells, and other sharp objects can cut them.

• Never swim in waters that have algal scum floating on the water which may indicate that a Harmful Algal Bloom is occurring.

• Always wash your hands before eating, shower with soap after playing in the water, and never go in the water if you have open sores or cuts.

For more detailed information visit the Lake Powell Recreational Water Advisory Webpage