Our dogs aren’t the only ones who need reprieve from the heat this week.
But look on the bright side — even with summer winding down, there’s still plenty of swimming to be done in the next few weeks.
First Up, Pools!
If you don’t have your own, there’s still time to make it to an outdoor city pool — but hurry.
- The Natatorium and Fairmont Pools are closed for the season.
- The Ivywild Pool in Southeast Boise is only open on weekends now, and closes Sept. 3.
- The Borah Pool on the Bench is open daily, but now only from 3 - 6 p.m., through closing day on Sept. 1.
Swimming the Boise River
Before you head out to find a river swimming hole, just know that it’s for stronger swimmers. You’ve got to keep an eye out for currents, rapids, rafters, and who-knows-what you might find underwater.
Even though it'll have the most people, the floatable section of the Boise River is the safest place for river swimming. (Float the Boise)
⚠️ On Float the Boise’s map, you’ll notice there aren’t any flagged safety hazards outside the commonly floated six-mile stretch. That doesn’t mean it’s free game everywhere else on the river — in fact, it means the opposite, which is that crews have cleared the worst hazards and monitor remaining ones in the float area, but don’t do so on any other parts of the river.
That said, here are some of the best places to swim (off the top of my head) in the floatable section of the river:
- North shore, by Parkcenter Bridge. The pool between the bank and the bridge supports is safe from all but the most distracted floaters, and you can’t get swept away with the water as low as it is right now. The area before the rapid is also pretty good, just don’t get out too far.
- Along the western end of the Warm Springs golf course. There’s a lengthy stretch below the red bridge that is slow enough for safe swimming, just keep on alert when the river is busy.
- Before and after Friendship Bridge. However, make sure to know where the rapids begin as the river gets lower in the coming weeks, because it’ll be changing quickly.
While Lucky Peak Reservoir itself is a popular swimming spot, Sandy Point just below is a better option for kids. (Getty)
Still Waters
For an all-around safer (and warmer) bet than river swimming, there are several ponds safe for swimming. The most important thing to know about here is toxic algae blooms — but once those have begun, they’ll be shut down.
- Sandy Point Beach, just below the Lucky Peak dam.
- Esther Simplot, Quinn’s, and Veterans Memorial are the ponds to go to. But keep your dog away, or they could be the cause of a bacteria outbreak, or drink unhealthy water.
