Safe, Summer Fun Along the State Water Project
California Department of Water Resources Aquatic Adventure Camp held at Lake Del Valle in Alameda County, California. Photo taken August 11, 2023.
Summer is around the corner, and many people are heading to California’s lakes and reservoirs to cool off. The State Water Project’s reservoirs are the perfect place to recreate while making water safety your top priority and having fun outdoors.
As part of Water Safety Month, keep these water safety tips in mind to have a fun and safe summer while swimming, boating, or fishing:
- Wear a life jacket
- Swim in safe or designated areas only and near a lifeguard
- Swim with a buddy
- Watch for hidden debris and slippery rocks
- Look before you leap or dive
- Check for algal bloom updates
- Know your GPS location
Invasive Mussels
Recreational users, such as boaters, are encouraged to clean, drain, and dry boats or other watercraft to protect California’s waterways from the spread of invasive golden, quagga, and zebra mussels. Invasive mussels pose a threat to recreational boating, the native environment, and water delivery systems. To learn more about how you can help stop the spread of these harmful invasive mussels, visit the invasive mussels webpage.
Recreation on the SWP
As you follow these safety tips, below are a few of the amazing recreational opportunities available along the SWP.
In Northern California, Lake Oroville, the SWP’s largest reservoir and second largest reservoir in California, has more than 167 miles of shoreline and is a perfect location for boating, fishing, camping, horseback riding, and picnicking. Lake Davis, the largest of the three Upper Feather River Lakes, offers a variety of outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, and swimming. Other activities in the winter include ice fishing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing.
For Central California, San Luis Reservoir in Merced County is home to the nation’s largest off-stream reservoir that is popular for fishing, boating, and board sailing. Located near rolling hillsides and a good place for bird watching, Bethany Reservoir in Alameda County provides windsurfing, boating, and picnicking.
In Southern California, Pyramid Lake is a perfect location for water skiing, kayaking, boating, camping, swimming, and fishing. Lake Perris, the SWP’s southernmost reservoir, is also one of its most popular. It provides ample recreational activities, such as water skiing, windsurfing, boating, hiking, bicycling, fishing, rock climbing, and horseback riding. For anglers, Perris is known for its trophy largemouth bass.
For more about recreation at SWP reservoirs, visit website.