Virginia State Parks offer many opportunities for water recreation. As the temperatures rise and you make plans to enjoy activities on a lake, river, bay, ocean, swimming beach or pool, safety and preparedness are imperative. Follow these water safety guidelines and tips to get the most out of your experiences! 

Boating at Occoneechee State Park

Follow the 120-degree rule 

Warm, sunny days in the shoulder seasons may give paddlers a false sense of security. Always follow the 120-degree rule. The American Canoe Association’s standard for safe paddling is that the sum of the air temperature and water temperature be greater than 120 degrees. The water temperature should be at least 60 degrees on its own to reduce the risk of hypothermia. If these criteria are not met, thermal protection is recommended.  

It is a good rule of thumb to always check the weather and tides, if applicable, before you paddle.  

Boating safety 

Fishing at Holliday Lake State Park

Every year, many boating-related fatalities are caused by drowning because the individuals were not wearing life jackets. According to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, there must be one wearable U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD) for each person on the boat. This includes canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, as well as motorboats. Furthermore, by federal law, any child under age 13 must be wearing their life jacket at all times while on the vessel (unless they are below deck or in an enclosed cabin).  

Ranger-led kayak tour of Catlett Islands at Machicomoco State Park

In addition to always wearing a life jacket, follow these tips for boating and paddling: 

• Stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) are considered a vessel when outside a designated swim zone or beyond the surf zone. Therefore, life jackets and a sound-producing device (whistle) are required. 
• All personal watercraft (PWC) operators aged 14 and older, and all operators (regardless of age) of motorboats with a 10 hp or greater engine, need to take a boating safety course. No one under the age of 14 may operate a PWC. A PWC is defined as a motorboat less than 16 feet in length that is powered by jet pumps, not propellers, where the person stands, kneels or sits on, rather than inside the boat. 
• Many Virginia State Parks offer boat rentals, including canoes, kayaks, paddleboats, SUPs, tubes and motorized boats. Boat rental information can be found at https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/boat-rentals. 
• Virginia State Parks programs, such as Beginner Kayak Lessons, Safe Boating Clinic and Let’s Go Kayaking! in the Let’s Go Adventures program, teach paddling safety, basics of paddling skills, how to select and fit a PFD and more. A list of upcoming paddling events can be found on the events webpage. 

 
Stand-up paddleboarding at Lake Anna State Park

Swimming safety 

Beach fun at First Landing State Park 

Nine Virginia State Parks offer seasonal guarded swimming at a lake beach. While unguarded, First Landing and Kiptopeke state parks provide areas for swimming in the Chesapeake Bay. Additionally, a swimming pool can be found at Pocahontas State Park.  

Swimming at Pocahontas State Park 

Follow these guidelines to increase your chances of staying safe and having fun while swimming: 

• Always stay within the marked-off designated swimming areas. 
• If a lifeguard is not on duty, swimming is at your own risk. Avoid swimming alone. 
• Don’t swim in water that looks stagnant or smells bad. Try to avoid swallowing river or lake water or swimming during the days after a heavy rainfall. 
• Check the Know Before You Go section of the park’s webpage where you plan to swim for any closures due to weather.  

A list of parks with swimming can be found at https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/swimming. 

Aerial view of swimming beach at Smith Mountain Lake State Park 

  In addition to these water safety tips, be sure to protect your skin with sunscreen or protective clothing, stay hydrated and avoid swimming or boating while intoxicated.  

"When one engages in any outdoor activity, playing safe allows them to enjoy the park more. With a variety of watercraft type options available, it is always best to find your fit if unsure of your abilities. Many parks have instructional or staff-led beginner programs,” shares Chief Ranger Tom Kneipp. “There are all the basic daytime before-you-get-on-the-water concerns, like weather watching and the weather forecast. Have a partner with you or let someone know that you're out there. For an evening paddle adventure, try a ranger-led tour such as Bear Creek Lake's Moonlight Canoe Tour." 

Canoeing at Bear Creek Lake State Park 

Enjoying the beautiful waterways of Virginia should be a fun part of your state park visits. Don’t let an accident or injury ruin your adventures. Always play it safe and recreate on the water responsibly!