Make a splash this summer exploring your local streams and lakes

Where to swim

The best place to swim is in a designated swimming area. There are plenty of public beaches and swimming areas on the lakes within the watershed. The most popular beaches are around Kent Lake, Island Lake, and in the Pinckney, Brighton, and Proud Lake State Recreation areas. Some county and municipal parks also have swimming areas. If you live in Wayne County, check out Van Buren Park Beach on Belleville Lake.

Diving a little deeper

Two YMCA campers snorkeling in the Huron River with a lifeguard observing behind them
YMCA campers get a whole new view of the Huron River with a summer snorkeling outing.

More advanced swimmers can also swim in the main branch of the Huron River. The Metroparks contain especially pristine sections of the river. Pick spots that don’t have a lot of current and where the depth matches your swimming ability and comfort level.

For those that want more of an adventure, try snorkeling! Snorkeling is a great way to explore the vast ecosystem that lives below the surface of the water. The Huron River is home to many creatures that are usually hidden from view. Peek under the surface and you can find fish, freshwater sponges, crayfish, aquatic plants, and much more.

Swimming Safety Tips for Inland Lakes and Streams

Some basic safety precautions will keep you safe when swimming in inland lakes and streams.

  • When picking a spot to swim, remember that local municipalities and parks may prohibit swimming in certain areas for safety reasons, so make sure to look out for No Swimming signs.
  • Never swim alone. Always bring a friend!
  • When in doubt, wear a life jacket. Natural bodies of water can change depths quickly, so life jackets are recommended, especially for those who are not strong swimmers.
  • When near or in the water, keep small children in a life jacket. Always watch and never turn your back to children in or near the water.
  • Enter the water feet-first and never jump in from high heights. Underwater hazards like fallen trees and debris often cannot be seen from above the water.
  • Wear shoes that can get wet. Protect your feet from sharp rocks or other objects on the bottom of the river.
  • Do not swim in the river/lakes within 48 hours of a major rain event. Bacteria levels can temporarily increase from stormwater runoff.
  • When visiting a state park, swim in buoyed swim areas. These areas are equipped with additional safety features, such as buoys or markers that identify water depth less than 5 feet, a beach flag warning system, and rescue equipment.
  • If you are going to a public beach, you can visit the MI Beach Guard website beforehand to check for any beach closures or advisories.

PFAS

While PFAS have been detected in the Huron River, the levels of PFAS in the river do not pose a safety risk for body contact such as wading and swimming. The health risk comes when PFAS are ingested over time, or with repeated exposures to very high levels, such as what workers in industrial environments might encounter. Concentrations in the water are far less than what is found in fish tissue or foam. PFAS do collect at high concentrations in foamy water, so avoid contact with river foam. If you do make contact with foam, don’t panic. Simply rinse off with non-foamy river water and wash up with soap when you can.

Visit HRWC.org/PFAS for more information.

Going for a swim in the local lakes and rivers is a great way to explore the natural beauty of the watershed. Grab a towel and get out there!

—Melina Pakey-Rodriguez

This blog post is also published in the Huron River Report, Summer 2025.