One of the most sought-after activities in Mammoth Lakes in the summer is swimming. After all, swimming is not just a great way to get some exercise, it’s also a great way for the family to spend time together.

Splashing around in the pool or in one of the lakes is lots of fun, but always be conscious about water safety, especially when you have kids swimming with you.

Mammoth Lakes has a good number of options for swimming; some lakes are open to the public for a quick swim or a soak, and there are also swimming pools in some of the parks, hotels, and other residential areas.

Before taking the kids to the water– whether it’s a pool or by the lake, teach them these basic water safety tips to ensure a safe and pleasant swimming experience:

Never Swim Alone

You should always swim when there is a lifeguard on duty, or at the very least, under the supervision of a capable adult– someone adequately trained in CPR, first aid, or other life-saving techniques to quickly respond should anything happen.

In addition, implement a buddy system so everyone swims with a friend, a sibling, or another family member so they can look out for one another in the unlikely event that an accident or some other untoward incident might occur.

Supervise Children When They’re in the Water

As a rule of thumb, kids should always be at arm’s length away from a supervising adult– regardless of when swimming in a pool, one of the lakes, or even a bathtub.

Be ever-vigilant , so put away your mobile phone, at least when you’re watching the kids. You can take turns with the other adults so that there’s always someone looking after the little ones while everyone else can relax and have a good time.

No Horsing Around

They can’t help it– kids especially will try all sorts of tricks, dives, and games while in the water.

  • Breath-holding games can be particularly dangerous, especially for smaller and untrained children.
  • Even the more capable swimmers can hurt themselves (or others) when flipping or flailing around.
  • Always enter bodies of water feet-first– so no reckless diving.

You can keep things fun, but more importantly, you should keep games safe. Just make sure nothing goes out of hand.

Always Wear a Life Vest

Another good practice: young children or inexperienced swimmers should always wear a Coast Guard-certified life jacket around water.

Pool noodles, floaters, water wings, and other floating toys are fine, but remember that they’re no substitute for real lifesaving devices in a real emergency.  Also: tell your kids that wearing a life vest is no excuse for disregarding rules of safety in and around the water.

Only Swim in Designated Areas

While it may be tempting to just go jump into a lake or two, most of the lakes in Mammoth Lakes are actually housing water for drinking and human consumption.

Authorities have particularly designated certain areas– lakes and swimming pools– where swimming has been approved and generally considered safe. Always follow rules and guidelines set by Mammoth Lake officials through advisories and personnel on-site.

And note that these can change day by day, so make sure to keep up-to-date on the latest safety recommendations should you choose to go out for a swim.

Swimming at Mammoth Lakes

There’s so much to do in and around Mammoth Lakes. Particularly in the summer, when visitors are out swimming and doing all sorts of fun water activities.

Popular swimming areas are at Horseshoe Lake, or some of the lakes in the upper Mammoth Lakes Basin, such as McLeod and Crystal Lakes, which are just a short hike away from the town center.

Other options are June Lake beach, where triathletes go train, or at Whitmore pool, which is staffed with professional lifeguards. Another great idea: have a relaxing soak at a geothermally heated hot spring after a day of strenuous outdoor adventure!