Lake Swimming

There are gators in the lakes!

Sometimes there is some biguns. The gulf is better for swimming,

Forget gators, it is the brain eating amoeba you should fear.

Forget gators, it is the brain eating amoeba you should fear.

Right, after the girl near Orlanda died. From what I've read,

Just 30 people have died in Florida from the rare brain infection since 1937, never mind how many people have died from drowning (a quick google found 7000 persons drown a year in the US, roughly 20 a day), being stung or bitten by a creature of the sea or by a moving vehicle in the water. At present authorities suggest people wear nose plugs while swimming in fresh water rivers, lakes and pools.

I talked to a table full of Ph.D.s in biology who I was sitting next to at a faculty meeting this week. They said it's worse if the water is warm, stagnant or not moving much, and if the bottom of the lake is disturbed.

I live on Eastern Lake and have swum in the outflow area probably 30-40 times this spring and summer with no difficulties. I have never seen a gator in Eastern Lake these last 4 years and I often fish in my canoe in the back marshy spot by the trail and picnic table. I can't vouch for the other lakes, but Eastern is safe...and gorgeous! As for the amoeba, I believe they need fresh water, not brackish and filled with tannic acids. 😉

The outflow can definitely be fun! Don't forget about Morrison Springs if you want to do some exhilarating fresh water swimming. Free tip: Now that Walton kids are back in school, now is the time to go to the springs on weekdays.

I live on Eastern Lake and have swum in the outflow area probably 30-40 times this spring and summer with no difficulties. I have never seen a gator in Eastern Lake these last 4 years and I often fish in my canoe in the back marshy spot by the trail and picnic table. I can't vouch for the other lakes, but Eastern is safe...and gorgeous! As for the amoeba, I believe they need fresh water, not brackish and filled with tannic acids. 😉

Actually I think you're right. The people I talked to don't know about the "special" lakes in SoWal.

Maybe those who are concerned should avoid jumping off docks into the lakes and should wear nose plugs when swimming. :idontno:

I don't know whether the local lakes are a problem, but very familiar with the problem in central Florida.

It’s not news that this summer’s been a scorcher, especially down South and
in the Midwest. The high temperatures have gone a long way in both heating up
and shrinking the size of lakes and ponds.This kind of environment, hot, shallow,
stagnant water, is perfect for the single-celled amoeba to reproduce and
thrive.

Read more: http://www.askdrmanny.com/dr-manny-says-rare-but-deadly-amoeba-warrants-concern/#ixzz1VXKGsOkI

Forget gators, it is the brain eating amoeba you should fear.

Pshh. Everyone knows to hold their nose for that.

I live on Eastern Lake and have swum in the outflow area probably 30-40 times this spring and summer with no difficulties. I have never seen a gator in Eastern Lake these last 4 years and I often fish in my canoe in the back marshy spot by the trail and picnic table. I can't vouch for the other lakes, but Eastern is safe...and gorgeous! As for the amoeba, I believe they need fresh water, not brackish and filled with tannic acids. 😉

When we lived on Eastern Lake we had several encounters with gators, small, but feisty. I do believe they prefer staying in the very northern swampy part. And we always swam in the outflow.

I read in today's Walton Sun that the Wildlife Dept is investing a gator bite of an intoxicated man. The man is not filing a complaint.

Kind of reminds me of another certain someone who decided to wrestle a gator in Pandora's parking lot.

Most gators won't mess with you unless people have been feeding them, or maybe when they get to be about 12ft+ in length.

Swim at own risk, but keep your priorities in check. You are more likely to die while driving to the lake.