No Swimming In The Lake!

[rodkenrich]

What would be the main reason(s) why swimming is not allowed in the lakes at the Resorts?

 

[skyhog]

LAWYERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[TinkerBell2001]

Hmmmmmmm I was thinkin Alligators . . .but that's just me

 

[KaterBell]

Seven Seas Lagoon has a lot of boat traffic, so that could be a good reason - for the danger and for the pollution to the water... and probably the main reason is that the water is VERY warm - not refreshing whatsoever - and I was told that if you swim in warm water, you're more apt to get ear infections... (that's why you should never put your head under water in a hot tub too)...

I remember we went to the GF one year when it was the GF Beach Resort... and the Poly was the Poly Beach Resort... now Disney removed the "Beach" part of the name... Gotta be another reason, I bet! Who knows!

 

[jennymouse]

Lawyers/Alligators....all the same isn't it? Sorry, couldn't resist. I think bacteria is right in there too. That's why they closed River Country.

 

[J. Thornhill]

I understood that there was no swimming in any lakes in Florida due to a certain type of bacteria that can become a health risk if ingested. This has been the case for several years, I think. Does anyone know more?

J.-

 

[Meagansmom]

We also saw a snake last time and some pretty ugly birds and ducks. I do not know if I would swim after them.

 

[zurgswife]

I vote for Alligators.....

 

[Bennet]

Lake Water: see this thread

 

[Kermit]

I've heard it was the germs, too. We used to be able to swim, and there were snakes and alligators. I would think that what gets worse is the amount of polution and the ability to test for polution better.

 

[kdonnel]

The beach was open and people were swimming at the beach at the Wilderness Lodge this Easter.

 

[Talking Hands]

No alligators are better.
Actually the lake is closed when the bacterial count in the lake reaches a level that is considered to be too high. It is so guests don't get sick. Also it is mandated by the state heallth department.

 

[Jenn]

I too saw kids out in the water at WL. Yuck!

 

[Goofyposter]

Got Meat?

 

[Kallison]

gators gets my vote. They can be anywhere there is water in FL.

 

[SAKPEG99OKW]

A good friend of the family used to be a CM at MGM. She told us that if a CM falls into any of the lakes or water ways they are imedeatley sent home to their doctor in order to received atibiotics. Fact for rumor who knows?

Scott, Peg and Tyler

 

[mat2672]

Why exactly would anyone actually want to swim in that water? It has to be absolutely filthy. Ill never get why people become outraged that they cant let their kids swim in the lakes at disney. I just dont get it. I love the lakes around the resorts, but I would never in my life even consider letting my young daughter swim in them. The bacteria in that water has to be incredibly high. Maybe its just me. I just assume that man made lakes are not exactly the cleanest pools of water.

 

[GeorgeG]

The answer is: All of the above!

There's been a lot said about bacteria levels and aligators are a reallity in any Florida water.

WDW is very good about controlling all kinds of reptiles that might detract from our vacations, but they can't keep all of them away all of the time. We were taking a boat out of the Contemporary marina one time and my wife mentioned she just wanted to go out and let her feet dangle in the water. I said that it might not be a good idea. She asked the attendant who was untying the boat if WDW allows alligators in their lake and he just smiled and said, "this IS Florida, ma'am."

So, whether it be bacteria, alligators, snakes, ugly birds, or just plain dirty water, I'll take my chances in the pools where I can see what's going on around my feet.

 

[theaslip]

Although gators and snakes make for good conversation - WDW "discourages" guest from swimming in the lake due to bacteria levels. I am in the lake every day during my visits (usually 2x per year) for waterskiing and wakeboarding at the CR (as are many other people). I don't think CM's have to go to the doctor when the fall in. Last year 3 Lake Patrol CM's were swimming laps on the far side of Bay Lake in avery grassy area near where I was swimming/skiing (and I was visited by a *very* large H2O Mocassin who peacefully went on his way!). The Water Ski driver told me that they are always doing "laps" out there.....Anyway, If you read the signs posted on each beach - they just caution against swimming in the lakes, but do not prohibit it.

PS - I have never gotten an ear infection in the lake, or bitten! Come on in, the waters' great!

 

[BlueFairy]

Seems like I saw a sign at the "beach" at YC/BC in 5/99 stating something about it being illegal to swim in FL lakes due to the bacteria. Maybe it is seasonal, as mentioned above.