Link as to why you can't swim in WDW lakes?

[ptrbryant]

I know people frequently ask about swimming in Bay Lake and it's explained that there's--I think--some kind of ameoba in central FL lakes that has the potential to cause a fatal reaction. I'm helping my DB plan a trip to WDW---they'll be at WL and I wanted the link so I don't have to fumble around trying to explain about the "amoeba thing".

Thanks!

Karla B.

 

[I'mNoPrince]

http://news.aol.com/story/ar/_a/deadly-amoeba-lurks-in-florida-lakes/20070919070609990001

Here's a story on it.

But just explain it's not allowed . I think it that, alligators and then the lack of staff to cover the lakes all add up to why Disney doesn't let you in the lakes. There is also a Bacteria thats growing in the water as well .

Millions of people swim in other lakes in central Fl with the same problem but they don't close all of tem down. Disney runs a triathalon that has swimmers in the lake so I think it's all the reasons above that add up to the problem and thats why people have a hard time believing just the Ameoba story

 

[Ilovestitch]

I could be wrong but the water in Disney's man made lakes seems kinda gross considering the boats that are in it non stop and the alligators/snakes. I feel like man made lakes aren't a real ecosystem that stays clean

 

[hoosiergirl7]

I wouldn't want to swim in the lake because of the possibility of alligators and I know FL has several extremely poisonous rattlesnakes that are swimmers.

I'm sure there is some sort of bacterias in the lakes too. It hardly ever gets cold enough in FL to kill off anything and it's humid and moist and warm - that's a breeding ground for bacteria.

It's just not worth getting sick, bitten or killed. I'll stick to the pool

 

[skipperkim]

They don't allow swimming in Bay Lake, but they do allow you to water-ski and go tubing there. The amoeba issue is only related to the area where you can touch the bottom.

 

[Dis Ohana]

I can't understand why anyone would want to swim in the lakes at Disney World. We saw some little kids playing in the water along the YC/BC shore and all I could say is, yuck! The water looks so dirty and gross.

 

[safetymom]

There were several people that died in lakes in the Orlando area last year because of the amoeba.

 

[Feralpeg]

http://news.aol.com/story/ar/_a/deadly-amoeba-lurks-in-florida-lakes/20070919070609990001

Here's a story on it.

But just explain it's not allowed . I think it that, alligators and then the lack of staff to cover the lakes all add up to why Disney doesn't let you in the lakes. There is also a Bacteria thats growing in the water as well .

Millions of people swim in other lakes in central Fl with the same problem but they don't close all of tem down. Disney runs a triathalon that has swimmers in the lake so I think it's all the reasons above that add up to the problem and thats why people have a hard time believing just the Ameoba story

The amoeba only grows in water over 80 degrees. So, people swimming in the deeper areas of the lake are not likely to encounter it because the water is cooler. This year, the people in the triathlon were encouraged by WDW to wear nose plugs just to be on the safe side. The amoeba is a very real and deadly problem in Florida bodies of water.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I am not sure if 7 Seas Lagoon fits into the same category as Bay Lake does, but last month when I stayed at the Polynesian they had signs which said do not go into 7 Seas Lagoon and a few times I saw little kids go in. Maybe their parents missed the signs saying not to, however I am only saying what I happen to see.

 

[safetymom]

I don't understand why someone would want to swim in a Florida lake that could kill them. This isn't a wives tale, there have been deaths from swimming in the lake. I don't think wading in the lake is a problem but I would be careful with that because you could fall.

 

[Feralpeg]

I don't understand why someone would want to swim in a Florida lake that could kill them. This isn't a wives tale, there have been deaths from swimming in the lake. I don't think wading in the lake is a problem but I would be careful with that because you could fall.

My thoughts exactly. There is no second chance with this thing. If you get it, you are pretty much a goner. It is almost always fatal. Why take the chance to swim in a dirty lake when there are tons of beautiful pools available.

 

[ptrbryant]

It's good for everyone here to be reminded that there's more of a reason behind the swimming ban than WDW worrying about liability.

Karla B.

 

[ironz]

I've swum in Bay Lake 3 times for the triathlon....and it isn't the nicest water. Due to the boat traffic (stopped for the race, at least), exhaust/gas from boats, etc...you just wouldn't want to go for a dip anyway. And the amoebas when it's hot. And, the water is very dark due to the tannins from the trees in the area (think dark iced tea).

I like the race, just wouldn't want to swim "for pleasure" there.

 

[java]

My sil's brother died from that bacteria. He was on a Jet ski and flipped. They thought he was ok after he got out. He was dead shortly thereafter.

I also remember a story about a woman allowing her small child to swim near the poly(right by the sign telling you not to) When the CM approached, He said "thank you" to her. She replied "excuse me?"
He said "I wanted to thank you because now I won't have to feed the alligator today."

 

[annie1995]

My sil's brother died from that bacteria. He was on a Jet ski and flipped. They thought he was ok after he got out. He was dead shortly thereafter.

I also remember a story about a woman allowing her small child to swim near the poly(right by the sign telling you not to) When the CM approached, He said "thank you" to her. She replied "excuse me?"
He said "I wanted to thank you because now I won't have to feed the alligator today."

I'm sorry for your sil's loss . Thats funny about saying Thank you though, thats was sure enough to get the parents attention!!

 

[alldiz]

Pools for me thankyou very much

I wouldn't want to swim there WITHOUT the deadly bacteria.....

GATORS,SNAKES....oh my
Kerri

 

[ducklite]

There are four reasons that swimming in fresh water is prohibited at WDW. The first is obvious, the propensity for alligators and snakes to be in the water.

Next would be the motorcraft traffic and subsequent pollutants that they produce.

After that, in warmer months the risk of Amoebic Encephalitis in warmer months.

And last, Florida state law prohibits swimming in fresh water sources with less than a certain visibility. If you'd like to swim in fresh water, I'd highly suggest a trip to Wekiva Springs where the spring fed lake has visibility to hundreds of feet.

 

[ducklite]

There are four reasons that swimming in fresh water is prohibited at WDW. The first is obvious, the propensity for alligators and snakes to be in the water.

Next would be the motorcraft traffic and subsequent pollutants that they produce.

After that, the risk of Amoebic Encephalitis in warmer months.

And last, Florida state law prohibits swimming in fresh water sources with less than a certain visibility. If you'd like to swim in fresh water, I'd highly suggest a trip to Wekiva Springs where the spring fed lake has visibility to hundreds of feet.

 

[goofy4tink]

And to think there have been posts from those who don't want to swim in the resort pools because they have seen the ducks in the pools in the morning!!!! Nope, I stay far away from those lakes in WDW. Too many yucky things in them.

 

[NJRRK]

And, of course, you know what fish do in that water