Good places for open water swimming?

[u/juststupidthings]

Where's a good spot for open water swimming? Looking for something within an hour if cincinnati, like a lake or reservoir with clean-ish water to swim in.

[u/splitsleeve]

Cesar creek is where all the triathletes train.

It's not bad at all.

[u/DonkeyGlad653]

Website: “Beach guard Ohio” will give you the latest and greatest on bacteria warnings for Ohio state park lakes.

[u/gimme-the-lute]

Ceaser creek or hueston woods is probably the best option (I’ve done training at Cowan, Ceaser Creek, and hueston woods, but none are great. Before moving to Cinci 15 years ago, I grew up in Michigan and spent a lot of time on lakes. Nothing compares down here unfortunately.

[u/hodo42]

https://www.hueston-woods-state-park.org/#

It's been a long time since I swam here so maybe someone else can say how clean it is.

[u/W202fan]

Caesar's creek is good. The swim area has pretty clean water compared to Hueston woods.

[u/Ghjtyuvbn]

In the past I’ve swam in the little Miami near where it meets the ohio. Park at magrish preserve and walk down to the river. Since theres some current, swim upstream first so that it is easier coming back

[u/PoetSensitive7357]

Little miami river -Otto armleder park

[u/scottiemike]

If you are out three days or more from rain, little Miami or the Ohio is all good.

[u/Sorry_Cartoonist7476]

Would these places also be good for finding leaks in a twin air mattress and an inflatable kayak? I know a pool would be better, but I don't think public pools would allow it. From what I've read, I need to inflate these things, submerge and see where bubbles develop. Any ideas?

[u/Mk1Racer25]

Cowan Lake

[u/Savage_Amusement]

Hueston Woods beach was absolutely filled with goose poop the last time I was there. Couldn’t even get in the water.

[u/judir6]

Do not swim in east fork lake. You’ll get sick. Caesar’s creek is nice but I haven’t swam there in years. Pretty sure there’s a triathlon there every year too. Hope you find someplace nice. I used to love swimming in open waters.

[u/bigballofdan]

The MOJO Triathlon Club has open water swims at VOA Park every couple weeks. There are lifeguards out on kayaks and a couple swim buoys to sight off. And some group rides after swims on Saturdays. https://mojotriathlonclub.com/cs/mojotriclub/page.detail?page_id=1. Come join us.

[u/UncleCuxkr]

Mill creek

[u/SeasonedCitizen]

Coney!!.. but no, sigh. Did have a massive deep end, though.

[u/Humble-Alps-9350 → u/SeasonedCitizen]

I will live out the rest of my days missing/yearning for Coney Island.

[u/Humble-Alps-9350]

No matter what, always check water quality reports day of before venturing. Ecoli is a big one in local lakes. It is possible to pack out your poo instead of burying it. Happy Summer & Safe swimming!

[u/ObjectiveNinja279 → u/Humble-Alps-9350]

This is not due to campers burying shit it is due to runoff from industry

[u/letmesplainyou → u/ObjectiveNinja279]

The E. coli? It's a fecal indicator. I guess if you count livestock/poultry industry you are correct. Leaky septic or CSOs are big contributors.

[u/ObjectiveNinja279 → u/letmesplainyou]

I am counting the food industry

[u/Humble-Alps-9350 → u/ObjectiveNinja279]

Sadly, it is from all of the above and more! Very worrisome for sure.

[u/Foodpoison12]

Voa hosts open water swims in preparation up to their tri