More than 10,000 Lakes but NONE are Safe for Spring Swimming!

In the Land of 10,000 Lakes it is hard to resist the temptation of the water on a warm 80 degree spring day. But no matter how refreshing the water may appear, all Minnesota Lakes are all too cold for swimming in the spring.  

With this years extremely cold, record breaking spring temperatures, it might be a bit longer before a plunge in a northern lake is safe. We will often experience an occasional May temperature where the mercury rises as high as a sultry July day, making the water in those 10,000+ lakes look very enticing. But beware. In order to swim safely, the water temperatures need to be at least 70 degrees. Most Minnesota lakes do not reach a 70 degree temperature until late May. Some lakes in the northern part of the state may not get out of the 60's all summer season!

It is important for residents and visitors to our great state to understand the affects of hypothermia and cold water are not limited to the falling through ice crusted water in the winter. Spring temperatures in a Minnesota lake or river are just as problematic. Knowing the exact temperature of body of water is essential before taking a dip to cool off to determine how long a person can safely swim outside. Keep in mind, a low lake water temperature will affect children more quickly due to their smaller size. Their bodies will not be able to withstand the cold temperatures as long as an adult can.

Coldwaterwarning.com is a website developed in memory of Brian James Jacobson, a young Minnesota boy who died on April 30, 2004 when he chose to swim in a cold Minnesota lake. He was a healthy 9 year old and good swimmer. It is believed his abilities were completely stalled in the frigid water. This is a sad reminder of how dangerous cold water swimming can be. 
 

Minnesota has thousands of beautiful lakes within its borders. But be forewarned, the inviting beauty is best enjoyed from the shore or the safety of a boat until the water has warmed sufficiently for safe swimming. 


 
Copyright 2014 www.terieckholm.com

Ready to Buy a Minnesota Lakeshore HOME? But How Safe is the Water?

A lakeshore home is the ideal of many a Minnesotan! And why not? When you live in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, one would be hard pressed not to drive by a lake, pond or river on a daily basis. Whether you are in Anoka, Ramsey, Chisago, Washington, Hennepin or any other county in our great state lakeshore is a plentiful and beautiful.

On an almost daily basis there is a news report regarding one of our wonderfully wet natural resources. Unfortunately, some of the news is not always so great: Eurasian milfoil, mercury in the fish and polluted waters are just a few of the concerns. Even those who live in the city are being asked to prevent grass clippings from going into the street and sewer systems as the chemicals that make our lawns so beautifully green, go through the storm drains and into our lakes. So how do you know if the sparkling pristine blue water of that Minnesota lakehome you want to buy is as clean as it looks?

As a REALTOR® working in the north and east Twin Cities metro, I do get asked questions regarding the quality of our lakes. After buyers are dazzled by the view of a lakeshore sunset, they want to know about water quality before they sign a purchase agreement. Lakeshore owners want to be able to fish, boat and swim in the water. So questions arise.

*Is the lake polluted?

*Are the fish safe to eat?

*Is there milfoil present?

*Is the water safe to swim in?
Finding these answers is simple. I direct my lakehome buyers to http://www.checkmylake.org/, a wonderful website devoted to MN lakeshore and recreation published by Conservation Minnesota. The site gives information great information on all of Minnesota’s lakes that have been tested for water quality.

A potential lakeshore buyer can find out whether the lake water is safe to swim in and whether the fish are safe to eat on a case by case basis. The lake search is very simple to use. Just put in the name and or county of the lake you are interested in and hit GO. I found that when I was looking for a big lake that overlaps into more than one county, like White Bear Lake, entering the lake name alone can be best because each lake is listed in only one county. (In the case of White Bear Lake, it listed as Washington County not Ramsey County.)

Pollution status is not the only feature of checkmylake.org. The website is updated daily with water facts, lake news and beach reports. You can also sign a petition to protect our lakes, volunteer to monitor lake quality, or submit a story about your favorite lake.

Now if you are looking for a great place to fish on a Ramsey County Lake, check out these links:

Fishing Piers in Ramsey County:

• Bald Eagle Lake
• Beaver Lake
• Lake Gervais
• Island Lake
• Lake Josephine
• Keller Regional Park (Round Lake)
• Long Lake
• Lake McCarrons

Copyright 2010 Teri Eckholm 

Land of 10,000 Lakes and None Safe for Spring Swimming!

Although there seems to be a bit of a debate as to the actual number of lakes in Minnesota, one thing is for certain; all MN lakes are all too cold for swimming in the spring. The air temperature of many April and May days in Minnesota can be as warm as in July. The water in those 10,000+ lakes can look very refreshing. But beware. In order to swim safely, the water temperatures should be around 70 degrees. Minnesota lakes do not reach that temperature until late May. Some lakes in the northern part of the state never reach 70 degrees even in the summer.

Most Minnesotans are aware of the affects of hypothermia and cold water in the winter. But not as many people are aware that spring lake temperatures are just as problematic. Knowing the water temperature of a lake is essential before diving in to cool off to determine how long a person can safely stay in the water. Remember too that children are often affected more quickly by water temperature. They may not be able to play in cooler water as long as an adult.

On Saturday April 14, 2007, Ron Jacobson told the story of his 9 year old grandson, Brian James Jacobson at a news conference at Lake Harriet Island. This lively little boy died on April 30, 2004 when he chose to swim in a cold Minnesota lake. He was a good swimmer but it is believed his abilities were completely stalled in the frigid water. This is a sad reminder of how dangerous cold water swimming can be. Coldwaterwarning.com is a website developed in Brian’s memory to warn others of the danger of swimming in cold water.

Minnesota has thousands of wonderful lakes within its borders. But remember the warning: The inviting beauty needs to be enjoyed from the shore until warm enough to swim.

If you are relocating to Minnesota, are looking for Homes for Sale in the north and east Twin Cities metro area and need help from a professional Realtor, give me a call. Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.

Copyright 2007 terieckholm.com