Swimming

A young boy and a young woman sit on the edge of a dock on a lake

State Park Swimming & Beach Use

All swimming shall take place between sunrise and sunset at Iowa state parks. Beach use and swimming is prohibited between sunset and sunrise. 

Swimming must be done in the designated beach area within the boundaries marked by ropes, buoys or signs. Swimmers may swim outside of the designated beach area under the following conditions:

  • Swimming must take place between sunrise and sunset.
  • Swimmers must be accompanied by a person operating a vessel and must stay within 20 feet of the vessel at all times during the swim.
  • The vessel accompanying the swimmer must display a flag, which is at least 12 inches square, is bright orange and is visible all around the horizon.
  • The person swimming must register with the park staff in charge of the area and sign a registration immediately prior to the swim.
  • Inner tubes, air mattresses and other beach toy-type items may be used only in the beach areas.

Swimming Safety

Swimming is a life-saving, life-long healthy activity that makes time near water enjoyable. 

  • Wear a lifejacket. Always wear a properly fitted, personal floatation device (PFD). Make sure kids wear their life jackets before getting in the water. 
  • Refresh your swimming skills. If you haven’t swam in a long-time, refresh your abilities. And all ages—tots to elders—can learn to swim. 
  • Learn to swim if you can't. Instructors make learning relaxing, especially for those who fear the water. Inquire at municipal pools, colleges or YMCA facilities or with a private instructor. All children should learn to swim with formal lessons.
  • Avoid obstacles in the water. Watch for downed trees, concrete, scrap metal, currents, high water, and more. These pose a danger and can make your swimming adventure dangerous or fatal.
  • Alcohol and drugs impair judgment. Alcohol is a factor in more than half of drownings.
  • Avoid areas near dams. Low-head dams and roller currents at dams are dangerous and can result in death.
  • Watch children at all time.  Watch young children when swimming or playing near water. Drowning can occur quickly and quietly. Be close enough to touch the child at all times, even in ankle-deep water.
  • Learn CPR. CPR bystanders can save lives and improve outcomes for near-drownings. The quicker CPR beings, the better the results. Talk to your local hospital, workplace, or doctor's office about CPR classes.
     

Water Quality Monitoring

Before your trip to an Iowa beach, check the water quality on our beach monitoring website.

Know Before You Go

Beach Monitoring

Before you head out to enjoy Iowa's beaches, check the beach monitoring report. Get updates on beach conditions, closures, and water safety.

View beach reports

Boat & Vessel Swimming

Unless otherwise posted as prohibited or limited to the designated beach area, persons may swim within 10 feet of a vessel anchored not less than 100 yards from the shoreline or the marked boundary of a designated beach area. 

All vessels, except those being uprighted or repaired, must be attended at all times by at least one person remaining on board. Scuba diving may occur outside of the designated beach area, provided the divers flag is displayed as specified in rule 571-41.10 (462A).

Prohibited Items on Beaches

Swimming Registration

Effective May 13, 2009, persons may swim outside the designated swimming beach under certain conditions. A swimmer must register with park staff in charge of the area and sign a registration prior to the swim. Each swimmer must complete his/her own swimming registration form.