That part of a lake set aside for swimming should be planned and laid out for safety and to give people an enjoyable experience. The choice of swimming area should take into account several factors. The suitability of the water is important, particularly its cleanness and temperature. The shelter or exposure of the area and the likelihood of insects if it is too sheltered should be considered. The character of the lake bottom is also important. Firm sandy or gravelly conditions, gently sloping with no sudden drops, are essential so that inexperienced swimmers do not suddenly find themselves out of their depth. Sand or gravel beaches are more likely to be backed by grass or forest vegetation instead of cliffs, sand-dunes and
 |
Changing-room designs: (a) A
monopitch building with high-level windows provides facilities for segregated male or female changing. (b) Individual units to be used by anyone. Light can get in above and below the doors. (c) Combined changing – rooms and toilets in one building. The rooms are ventilated by louvres, but they do not receive sufficient natural light. Williamson Lake Provincial Park, Alberta, Canada.
 |
A lake beach where a low retaining
wall has been laid in order to reduce the wear and tear of the grass edge along the beach. Whistler, British Columbia, Canada.
 |
Two methods of protecting lake shores: (a) Timber piling trimmed off to follow the profile of the land. (b) Rockwork, with large rocks lower down, grading to smaller ones at the top. Both methods allow for the inclusion of access ramps.
 |
other coastal features. This means that they can be less vulnerable to damage than sand-dune areas are, but they can also be more muddy when worn.
If sailing and powerboats also use the lake they must be separated from general bathing in order to avoid serious accidents. This can be achieved by a line of buoys demarcating the outer zone at around the 1.8m (6ft) depth. These buoys are spread along a rope or cable anchored in place at intervals, with a depth marker at each corner or change of direction. The ends of the cable are attached to adjustable fixings on the shore, such as posts or anchors.
Within the demarcated swimming area a second area should be divided by another line of buoys along the 1m (3ft) depth line. Again, this should be provided with depth markers. This inner shallow area can be further divided into a safe area for children and non-swimmers to use.
Depending on the degree of use, and on any national, state or provincial regulations, safety equipment and personnel should be stationed at regular intervals along the beach. A lifeguard station may be present, and equipment such as a small boat, surfboard, radios, life rings and first-aid kit should be kept there. A secure shed for the equipment other than the boat and a high seat for the lifeguard should be constructed in the same design character used elsewhere on the site.
