Eastern Lake - swimming?

No more of a danger than in any of the other lakes... That being said, I assume you're staying on the south end of the lake, which is much busier than the north end. The northern-most part of the lake has quite a bit of dense marsh where gators and other critters feel safest, and most at home.

I live on Eastern Lake and, from time to time, we've seen alligators. It's their lake, too. Just be watchful, and I don't think you'll have any problems.

Is Eastern Lake safe for swimming for humans and/or dogs?

I've seen jellyfish in the inoutfall sometimes. Some sting. On the other hand, DEP says keep pets off the beach (I read that sometime last week in information about the beach). There are birds and other wildlife that live here too that are threatened by domesticated animals.

I've seen jellyfish in the inoutfall sometimes. Some sting. On the other hand, DEP says keep pets off the beach (I read that sometime last week in information about the beach). There are birds and other wildlife that live here too that are threatened by domesticated animals.

Just last week, I saw someone's dog running amok on the beach, chasing all the sanderlings that were trying to feed on a newly-formed sandbar.

Don't forget, it's actually illegal to take your dog to the beach, unless you have a permit.

Just last week, I saw someone's dog running amok on the beach, chasing all the sanderlings that were trying to feed on a newly-formed sandbar.

Don't forget, it's actually illegal to take your dog to the beach, unless you have a permit.

I have felt sorry for great blue herons trying to get breakfast before all the scary tourists come and then some dog thinks it would be fun to play chase. Dog is fed at home but heron has only the luck of the catch outdoors.

The question I had this morning was put by a nearby property owner with dog on Deer Lake State Park beach. The signs say something like "no pets allowed". He claimed that the law allows dog walking up to the high water line. I don't know how to check on that.

Talked to someone from the Forestry Service and he says that there is so much bacteria in the lakes and really not good for doggie ears. Milly no longer swims in Western Lake due to this - or any lake around here. Labs have a tendency to have bad ears anyway.

For all practical purposes you can assume that any body of water you see in Florida has a gator in it. And snakes. And if it is brackish, it may well have a bull shark.

I have a friend (no, I won't mention names) who shot a shark in Eastern Lake about 10 or 12 years ago. And he says it wasn't a little one.

I have felt sorry for great blue herons trying to get breakfast before all the scary tourists come and then some dog thinks it would be fun to play chase. Dog is fed at home but heron has only the luck of the catch outdoors.

The question I had this morning was put by a nearby property owner with dog on Deer Lake State Park beach. The signs say something like "no pets allowed". He claimed that the law allows dog walking up to the high water line. I don't know how to check on that.

Scary tourists, what are the characteristics.

A 6ft gator was pulled about 3 yrs ago from the lake.

Dogs are only allowed on the beach with permits, on leashes, and during certain hours. The MHWL does not apply to dogs, only humans.

I swim in Eastern Lake, but do so near the outfall - think the further away from there one gets, the higher the likelihood of meeting a gator or huge snake (which is also why I do not venture north of the bridge in a small craft).

Dogs are only allowed on the beach with permits, on leashes, and during certain hours. The MHWL does not apply to dogs, only humans.

I swim in Eastern Lake, but do so near the outfall - think the further away from there one gets, the higher the likelihood of meeting a gator or huge snake (which is also why I do not venture north of the bridge in a small craft).

I haven't spent any time on Eastern Lake, but a fair bit on Western Lake. While I revel at its beauty, something instinctively tells me it's for other creatures besides me.

Scary tourists, what are the characteristics.

If tourists or locals scare wildlife, I feel they are scary.

I haven't spent any time on Eastern Lake, but a fair bit on Western Lake. While I revel at its beauty, something instinctively tells me it's for other creatures besides me.

Well, now that a Yolo boarding business is on Eastern Lake North, complete with lessons and races and family days, I hope those instinctively sensed creatures aren't marginalized.
Scooterbug, you said

huge snake (which is also why I do not venture north of the bridge in a small craft).

What is known about these huge snakes? I've been on E Lake N in canoe monthly and small inflatable kayak sometimes and have only seen one snake, swimming away fast. Someone said it was a black racer, harmless.

Well, now that a Yolo boarding business is on Eastern Lake North, complete with lessons and races and family days, I hope those instinctively sensed creatures aren't marginalized.
Scooterbug, you said

What is known about these huge snakes? I've been on E Lake N in canoe monthly and small inflatable kayak sometimes and have only seen one snake, swimming away fast. Someone said it was a black racer, harmless.

All I need to know about large snakes/alligators is that they automatically get control of anywhere that I see them. Since Dunelaker and I met a HUGE snake over there several years ago, I chose to stick to the area near the outfall.

I don't swim in Western Lake, but do enjoy kayaking and Yoloing there. It's all relative I guess.

I grew up swimming back and forth across Stallworth Lake to get to the beach. There was always a cold spot out in the middle that made you kick a little faster. That black water will make your mind wander a bit when you're out in the middle. I can tell you you right now that I will never do it again.

Swim at your own risk. That being said, just enjoy the lake and stop worrying. Your more likely to drown from a pontoon boat or worse, a cramp after lunch. Snakes, gators and sharks hurting you in Eastern Lake is more rare than getting electrocuted during a storm. Dont let rules, regulations and policies hold you back from enjoying a beautiful lake. Have fun, your on vacation.

No! Please do follow rules, regulations and policies when you are on vacation here. And have fun.