Swimming in Reservoirs is Illegal: Baltimore County Police

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — There is no swimming in any of the county's three reservoirs, the Baltimore County Police Department reminds residents. It is illegal to swim in Liberty, Loch Raven and Prettyboy reservoirs.

Each year, five to 10 people drown in Baltimore County, according to police, who said that most deaths occur in places like reservoirs where it is illegal to swim.

"Reservoirs were never designed for swimming and are unsafe," police said in a statement.

Instead, Liberty, Loch Raven and Prettyboy reservoirs are designed to hold the water supply for Baltimore.

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Swimming in reservoirs carries inherent danger such as poor visibility, fluctuating depths, underwater currents, hidden rocks and fallen trees.

Officers with the Baltimore Environmental Police have full police powers and conduct regular patrols of the reservoirs. Abandoned quarries are also illegal for swimmers in Baltimore County.

Those caught swimming can be fined up to $1,000 and charged with trespassing.

For those looking to get in the water, authorities suggest local beaches and parks where there are areas specifically designated for swimming. Before going in, medical personnel recommend checking for rocks and testing the water depth.

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Photo by Andrew Tatlow and licensed for reuse under Creative Commons.