The Valley Reporter – Come In –

By Alice Rodgers

Whether it’s a place to cool off or a secret honey hole where you can fly fish while enjoying the river’s natural beauty, most of us have a favorite watering hole in the Mad River Valley. Hidden waterfalls, secret ponds, shallow rivers, and swimming holes offer respite from the summer heat and multiple opportunities to indulge our love of water recreation. Regardless of where your favorite spot is, we share the responsibility to practice safe swimming practices, respect other users, and manage our resources.

Summer brings an increase in activity on the river and at swimming holes. This increase in use comes with its own set of challenges. Challenges include dangerously flooded parking on roads, increased trash and litter, improper disposal of human and pet waste, off-leash dogs, trespassing on private property, and a noticeable increase in trail erosion. These issues negatively impact our natural resources, degrade the experience for both visitors and residents, and jeopardize continued public access to swimming holes. To address these concerns, the Vermont Swimming Hole Collaborative offers the following guidelines:

• “Carry-in, carry-out” and “Leave No Trace” where there are no waste and recycling bins, or where the bins are full.
• Only use the toilet facilities provided; human feces (and dog poop) can introduce dangerous bacteria into the water.
• Always keep dogs on a leash to keep them and others safe or leave them at home. Pick up dog poop and dispose of it properly.
• If a parking lot is full, come back later or visit another location. Do not park on private property or on public roads.
• Do not enter private property and respect ‘no trespassing’ signs.
• Read and respect all signage at swimming locations.
• Be considerate of others and the neighborhood.
• Help keep Vermont’s waters clear: stay on the trails to prevent erosion and protect plants.

While swimming holes offer great recreational opportunities, swimming in an unmanaged location carries risks. Even the most seasoned water enthusiasts can be surprised by changing water conditions. “Staying safe at swimming holes starts with being aware of your surroundings when you go to a new place, or even a favorite spot,” says Holly Knox, recreation program manager for the USDA Forest Service, Green Mountain National Forest. “Knowing the unique characteristics of each swimming hole you visit can help you understand where fast currents and cliffs are located and whether it’s safe to dive in.” Remember that water is wild and always changing. Heavy rains, floating or stuck debris, or even prolonged heat and drought can alter currents, affect depths, and change the underwater structure of a wild water body. Assess the conditions before you enter the water. Has it rained heavily in the past few days? Swollen rivers and fast-moving currents can create dangerous conditions for days after a heavy rain. If there has been a recent heavy rain, conditions can be hazardous, even on a clear, sunny, calm day. FYI, after the recent flooding, Vermont’s Chief Medical Examiner Mark Levine advised staying out of the water for a while, as floodwaters can contain toxins (e.g., E. coli). Be prepared to make alternate plans if there has been a heavy rain or recent flooding.

Even when conditions are ideal, use common sense. Do not jump off cliffs or dive into waterfall pools. Invisible objects, such as logs and boulders, may be beneath the water’s surface. Even crystal-clear pools may be shallower than you think. Do not swim over or under waterfalls: Strong currents can sweep people over waterfalls, and undertows can trap swimmers underwater. Do not swim over or directly under waterfalls. Remember that safe swimming is swimming sober. Drugs and alcohol can dull your senses, impair your judgment, and slow your reaction time. Always exercise caution when swimming in natural bodies of water, and never swim alone.

The Mad River Valley is blessed with dozens of swimming holes, fishing streams, and quiet spots along the Mad River. As Steve Libby, executive director of the Vermont River Conservancy, noted, “When we work together, we can help protect and maintain these places so people can enjoy them for generations.” Respect nature, use common sense, be responsible, and get out there and enjoy the water!

This month’s volunteer opportunity: Help manage the river by joining forces with Friends of the Mad River. For more information, visit: https://www.friendsoftemadriver.org/volunteer.html

For more information about recreation in The Valley, visit https://www.mrvrd.org/.