We’ve all been there. You’ve been walking through a gorgeous green forest for a few hours on a super hot day. Suddenly, you come across a lake that looks incredibly refreshing. Immediately, your instinct is to take off your shirt and hop in, and we completely understand that urge. Most of the time, you’re probably good to go. But it’s important to do your research beforehand, and make sure it’s safe.
Safe Trails
One way to know if the lake is safe to go in is if you’re part of a tour group, and the trail is a known landmark. Usually, if the tour guide says it’s okay to jump in, you can trust them. If the lake is a destination in and of itself, and there are articles online saying it’s okay to swim in it, then jump on in!
Uncharted Waters
The lakes that you need to be weary about are the ones that have very little information online. If you’re trekking off the beaten path and see a lake that isn’t part of any tour, we’d recommend keeping a relative distance. You don’t know what lives in that lake. It may be inhabited by creatures that wouldn’t take kindly to an unwanted guest looking for a fun splash.