Non-Diving Water Bodies

[Drewskey]

Grip session - Why do some lakes/reservoirs limit use?

It makes no apparent reason to me that a water body cannot be fully enjoyed (limiting activities). It is true that there used to be cause for refuse contaminate concern or other types of pollution, but with today's water quality standards and cleaning technology, virtually all water can be cleaned.

Example: I live in Central Arkansas. We are blessed to have many diving opportunities here. There is the Ouachita, Greers Ferry, Norfork, Table Rock, and Beaver to name the major lakes. Greers Ferry is a source of drinking water for the greater surrounding region. There are relatively no limitations on this lake. Boating, fishing, swimming, and most importantly - diving, are allowed here. The water drawn from here gets cleaned just the same as would water from a limited-use resevoir. Why then, can a lake/reservoir on National Forest land be limited? People are allowed to dive for lost personal items, but only with permission of the lake warden.

The reservoir I am talking of can be found here:
34°47'51.57"N 92°51'41.54"W

Or another one close by: 34°52'4.32"N 92°32'16.08"W

Other than fear, what would make a lake not fully accessible to the public? It makes no sense. Someone please enlighten me.

[FishFood]

People are allowed to dive for lost personal items, but only with permission of the lake warden.

Whoops. There goes my boat anchor...

Sorry Warden. May take a few... years... to find it.

[scubadiver888]

The only times I have seen restrictions on scuba diving in a body of water was (1) it was a private body of water which you paid to use and (2) there were safety concerns.

In the case of (1) they closed the place when they were away and couldn't collect money plus they wanted to cover their butt in case something happened while no one was on duty.

In the case of (2) the area had hazards (e.g. intake to a hydro plant) or a lot of boat traffic (e.g. wrecks at the entrance to a harbour). Often they just wanted to know you are there and ask you to report in when you are done so they know there is no need to drag the area for your body.

[BarbadosSlim93]

Yea, that is weird. I have never heard of a place being off duty unless there is a concern such as bacteria or an underwater monument being protected. Sounds to me like ol' warden is a hard ass, better find a way to smooth him over.

[Drewskey]

Lake Winona: Central Arkansas Water/SOURCE/LAKE WINONA

Lake Maumelle: Central Arkansas Water/SOURCE/LAKE MAUMELLE

If you read in the Winona rules, they limit "aqua lung" sports. I.E. See this for how old this rule is.

Aqualung was the original name for the first open-circuit scuba diving equipment, developed by Emile Gagnan and Jacques Cousteau in 1943.

Aqua-lung - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[Drewskey]

bump.

[Mtrewyn]

There is a lake just south of Jay OK near Grand Lake, that they will alow fishing but NO swimming of any kind.

The reason (as best as I can get from anyone) is that it is Tulsa's water supply..?? Go figure No swimming, but you can drive a two stroke motor all over the lake?

[scubadiver888]

Originally Posted by Mtrewyn

There is a lake just south of Jay OK near Grand Lake, that they will alow fishing but NO swimming of any kind.

The reason (as best as I can get from anyone) is that it is Tulsa's water supply..?? Go figure No swimming, but you can drive a two stroke motor all over the lake?

No swimming?!?? What if you fell out of your boat while fishing? What if you fell out of your boat while fishing and wearing full scuba gear?

[kjvander]

well i guess they are figureing that gas and oil are better to drink than pee....well i guess you can clean up gas and oil.....

[Drewskey]

Originally Posted by kjvander

well i guess they are figureing that gas and oil are better to drink than pee....well i guess you can clean up gas and oil.....

Fish, birds, bears, whatnot... they pee.