Swimming opportunities vary at lake, reservoir
By JENNIFER WILSON
News editor
It's hot.
The temperature keeps rising, right along with the humidity and your skyrocketing utility bills.
You've tried to beat the heat, but the most successful method you've found so far entails chilling in your living room, slurping down an iced tea and trying to move as little as possible.
It's hot.
And that means it's time to go swimming.
But if you're tired of forking over the cash it takes to enter your local municipal pool, why not try a more natural body of water — one of Marion County's bodies of water.
You've got two to choose from: the Marion Reservoir or the Marion County Lake. And they're both free.
Marion County Lake, located southeast of Marion, is a popular spot for anglers and swimmers alike.
But if you're planning on taking a swim there, know this: Swimming is only permitted in the beach area on the northwest shore, near the lake office.
The swimming area is approximately 550 feet wide and extends 150 feet into the lake, according to Dale Snelling, lake superintendent. It's open for swimmers from sunrise to sunset.
The area is clearly marked off by large orange "beach buoys," which stretch out in a half-moon shape. There's also a sunbathing pier for swimmers who want to take a running jump into the water.
Diving isn't allowed, Snelling said.
The lake managers haul in sand for the beach area in the summertime, and this Saturday they're sponsoring a sand art competition, Snelling said.
For those tempted to splash around in the water near one of the lake's many fishing piers, beware — swimming is not allowed anywhere else in the lake except the designated beach area.
That's for safety reasons, Snelling said. Swimmers getting out too far into the lake could get themselves into trouble with no help nearby, or at the worst, get in the path of a boat.
Snelling has the authority to issue a citation, or ticket, to anyone not following the rules. A first-time offense could land you a $60 ticket, with court costs tacking on another $40.
Other rules enforced in the beach area include no fishing, no alcohol, no glass containers, and no loud radios.
Weekends are usually the busiest time, Snelling said.
"Weekdays, it's pretty thin," he said. "We're never crowded."
Marion Reservoir
At the Marion Reservoir, located midway between Hillsboro and Marion, the swimming regulations are quite a bit easier.
Although the reservoir has two locations specifically roped off for swimming — at Cottonwood Point and the Marion Cove swim beach near the dam — swimming is allowed anywhere, said Tracy Robb, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers park ranger.
People can swim off of their campsites, as long as they respect others while they're doing so, Robb said.
In order to keep boats away from swimmers, the boats are required to maintain a 100-foot distance from each swimmer, Robb said. That also includes jet skis.
While the reservoir and its campsites has stayed very busy all summer long, it can usually guarantee a site every weekend, Robb said. The crowds will probably let up after Labor Day.
