Special Bulletin: New DEC Safe Swimming Webpage!

Department of Environmental Conservation
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Special Bulletin: New DEC Safe Swimming Webpage!

Swimming season is just around the corner and there are many places to swim in New York. DEC encourages you to have fun, but also to be aware of possible hazards. DEC's new swimming webpage has links to recommended places to swim, information about possible hazards and ways to reduce risk, and links to resources to help you make informed decision (including information about sewage pollution and harmful algae blooms).

If you enjoy swimming in New York, we also encourage you to learn more about our valuable water resources and join the effort to restore, protect, and conserve them. If you are already a water steward, encourage friends and colleagues to join you! Learn more about being a water steward and water recreation on DEC's Water Stewardship webpage and Water Week webpage.

Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Wet Weather Advisory

DEC has a Google Map of the CSO locations in New York and a CSO Wet Weather Advisory web page. The purpose of the map and advisory is to help New Yorkers and their families make informed decisions before recreating on a waterbody.

CSO outfalls may discharge rainwater mixed with untreated sewage during or following rainfall or snowmelt events and may contain bacteria that can cause illness. DEC advises the public to avoid contact or recreation (swimming, boating, and fishing) in a waterbody with a CSO outfall during or after a rainfall or snowmelt event.