Swimming

Swimming in Clark County parks

While swimming is allowed in nearly all Clark County parks with water access, swimming in natural bodies of water (rivers, lakes) is much more dangerous than swimming in a pool.

Swimming is not allowed at Lucia Falls Regional Park because areas near the falls are protected sensitive fish-spawning grounds.

Dangers of swimming in rivers and lakes

Cold shock: When a swimmer’s body hits the cold water, it can trigger a sudden, rapid increase in breathing, heart rate and blood pressure. The resulting uncontrolled breathing can cause people to gasp and inhale water, leading to potential drowning. Gasping for breath or rapid breathing from sudden immersion can be triggered by water as warm as 77°F. Cold shock can be just as severe and dangerous in water temperatures of 50-60°F as in water at 35°F. Cold shock can also reduce muscle control.
Currents: Local rivers have strong currents all the time, even if they look calm. The Columbia River is tidally influenced, meaning the current changes throughout the day. Currents can quickly tire even strong swimmers.
Invisible hazards: Natural water bodies contain dangers underwater that most swimmers can't see.
- Drop-offs can be steep, sudden, and hidden.
- Underwater plants, structures or debris can entangle or trap swimmers.

The Columbia River is especially unsafe for swimming. Clark County parks on the Columbia River, namely Captain William Clark Regional Park at Cottonwood Beach and Frenchman's Bar Regional Park are known to have strong currents and sudden drop-offs.

No county parks have lifeguards on duty.

Graphic with warnings about the hazards of swimming in natural bodies of water, and safety tips. See caption for text.

Image text:

CAUTION

No lifeguards on duty
Water is usually cold enough to cause involuntary gasping, loss of muscle control
Swift and changing currents
Sudden drop-offs
Hidden underwater entanglement hazards

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Everyone should wear a life jacket when boating or floating in natural water bodies.
Supervise children with your complete attention.
Swim with a buddy.
Wear a life jacket.

Life jackets save lives. Wear it!

The following Clark County parks have water access. Park users swim or recreate in the water at their own risk.

There are other public swimming areas or pools in the county that are not operated by Clark County Parks:

Swim safety

To safely enjoy water recreation this summer, visitors should:

Wear a life jacket. Everyone, including children, teens and adults, should wear life jackets while boating, using personal watercraft, inner tubing or while using other water sports equipment. Life jackets should be worn while swimming in lakes and rivers. Make sure the life jacket fits properly. Inner tubes, air mattresses and other floatation devices are not a substitute for a well-fitting life jacket.
Closely supervise children. Children should be supervised by adults anytime they’re in or around water. Supervision requires complete attention, even if another adult is present. Avoid distractions when kids are swimming or around water.
Do not use any substance, including alcohol and cannabis, that could impair your ability to swim, respond to or be aware of your surroundings.
Never dive into shallow water or off bridges, cliffs or ledges.
Never swim alone.
Avoid fast-flowing waters.

Safe Kids Clark County provides life jackets for visitors to borrow at Klineline Pond (Salmon Creek Regional Park) and a few other locations with water access throughout Clark County. The availability of life jackets for borrowing at these locations cannot be guaranteed. Visitors planning to enter the water are encouraged to bring a life jacket.

Clark County Code 9.05.080 prohibits adults from leaving children unaccompanied in or near a lake, pond or other waterway.