Cliffs of the Neuse swim lake season to open Saturday
By Becky Barclay
Published in News on May 22, 2016 1:45 AM
Summer is almost here and thoughts are turning to cooling off in the water.
Close by is the swim lake at Cliffs of the Neuse State Park in Seven Springs. It will open May 28 and remain open through Labor Day.
There are two sections in the lake roped off for swimming -- a shallow end and a deep end.
The deep end is about 20 feet deep and the shallow end goes up to about 5 feet, said park ranger Autumn Kahl.
"In the deep end is the dive platform with a diving board," she said. "There is a lifeguard out there at the dive tower, and there are also lifeguards on the beach.
"To swim in the deep end, you have to pass a swim test, which is swimming from one end to the other here at the swim lake."
Ms. Kahl said the swim lake is spring fed, so it's very clean.
"It's filtered ground water," she said. "A lot of times it tests cleaner than our drinking water. The swim lake is the closest natural swim area you're going to get here.
"The swim lake is more adventurous than a swimming pool. And you don't have the smell of chlorine or get a chlorine headache. And in the swim lake, you get to hear the birds chirp and frogs croak while you're swimming."
Restrooms are next to the swim lake. And there's a full bathhouse that has warm water showers.
"The lake is spring-fed and stays pretty cold, so a warm shower is nice to rinse off in," the ranger said.
Ms. Kahl said there's a sandy beach at the swim lake and also a grassy area.
"It's good for families coming out with picnics," she said. "Bring your picnic blanket, chairs and umbrellas. The only thing you can't have down at the swim lake are coolers and glass bottles."
But coolers are OK to take to the picnic area, which is just a short walk from the swim lake.
The Cliffs will also have a concession stand open at the swim lake, selling drinks and snacks.
Pets are not allowed at the swim lake.
Admission to the swim lake is free for children 3 and younger, $4 for children 4 through 12 and $5 for those 13 and older. You get a swim bracelet that's good for the whole day. You can come and go as much as you want during the day, as long as you keep your swim bracelet on.
In addition to swimming, there is also boating in the swim lake during the summer. You can rent a paddle boat, canoe, kayak or standup paddle board for $5 per hour and $3 for each additional hour.
Life jackets have to be worn at all times and are provided with rental. You must have a valid ID card to rent a boat or paddle board.
Those under 16 must have an adult with them.
"This is only our second year with the standup paddle boards," Ms. Kahl said. "They were a big hit last year."
For more information about swimming or boating in the swim lake, call the Cliffs office at 919-778-6234.