Like our prehistoric ancestors of several thousand years ago, each year millions of contemporary people swim and bask in our large assortment of lakes, rivers and springs scattered throughout the state. Almost any time of year, nestled within rubber tire tubes, thousands of visitors a day may be found floating along rivers and clear spring runs such as the 9 miles of Itchetucknee Springs State Park. Such recreational pursuits bring bountiful economic benefits to local communities: revenue is generated for local hotels, transportation, restaurants, tours, and other goods and services purchased by revelling recreators.

Recreational use taxes the natural environment. Environmental degradation is weighed against tourist-spending and tourism-related employment and by the costs of environmental clean up and repair. Left unattended, environmental degradation caused by nature-loving recreational users would quickly become unacceptable to man and beast; would become an insult to Mother Nature Herself.

That's where Florida's eco-management agencies come in.

Plant management in swimming and tubing areas
Traditionally, swimmers and tubers prefer crystal-clear waters such as that found in springs and spring-fed rivers. Although plants play an integral role in the natural environment, they can present real (there's a gator in there!) and imagined (is there a gator in there?) hazards to swimmers and tubers; therefore, plants in popular swimming areas must be controlled by plant managers.

Swimmers and tubers can contribute to the spread of invasive species by tearing up plants and sending plant fragments down stream where they may grow and proliferate. Managing plants and people requires a unique balance of permissiveness and regulation. This balance is especially important in Florida's protected areas such as state and national parks.

Swimming locations
Florida's state parks and national parks are protected areas which display the unique natural beauty of the Sunshine State and provide many recreational water sport opportunities. In addition, a variety of county and city swimming areas as well as privately owned sites offer the chance to escape to near-pristinenatural settings. (Most state and national parks require a nominal admission fee, while privately owned sites may charge ten dollars or more per day. )

Pitts Springs	Silver Glen Springs	Telford Springs

Suwannee River	Suwannee River	Turkey Creek

Wildlife
As the popularity of water recreation in Florida increases and development throughout the state decreases natural aquatic habitats, confrontations between humans and aquatic animals are becoming more frequent. Wildlife plays an integral role in maintaining the health and beauty of Florida's natural environments and many wildlife species in Florida are protected from harassment by state and federal laws. However, wild animals can be dangerous and should be given their own space. Never approach a wild animal when swimming and always take care not to disturb nests and nursery areas. Respect for native wildlife today helps ensure their presence in our natural areas tomorrow. For more information about wildlife, visit another page on this website.

Diving
Each year swimmers are seriously injured by diving head first into an unknown body of water. Even clear water can deceive an eager swimmer and appear to be deeper than it really is. At each and every visit to a recreational swimming area, always verify water depth and check for underwater obstructions such as logs and pilings.

Rope swings
For many residents and visitors, using a rope swing to perform Tarzan-like splashes in a placid waterway is a favorite past time. Although the amusing ropes dangling from overhanging trees can provide hours of entertainment, entanglement, worn ropes, and collisions with objects and people are real dangers. Swimmers must always use a rope swing with care and only after inspecting the apparatus and acquiring the appropriate permission.

Aquatic Plants
Invasive species create problems not only for boating and fishing, but also can pose dangers to swimmers as well. Although it is rare, swimmers have become entangled in aquatic plants such as hydrilla, and have drowned. Although plants can be nuisances to swim in, plants do provide habitats, nesting, shelter, and spawning areas for wildlife, as well as control erosion along the bank and bottom of a water ecosystem. Therefore, care must be taken to safeguard vegetated areas and prevent disruption.

Bacteria
All waterbodies contain bacteria. Some strains are naturally occurring such as Psuedomonas aeruginosa which is associated with large concentrations of plants. Other, disease-causing, bacteria can be present at dangerously high levels. Although the water quality in many Florida waterbodies is tested, most are not tested. Bacteria can cause skin rashes and ear infections in humans. The best way to avoid bacterial infections from freshwater is to swim in monitored swimming areas, such as those located in state and county parks, avoid stagnant water, and shower immediately after swimming. For more information about bacteria in Florida waters, visit another page on this website.

Contaminants
After heavy rains, stormwater runoff can carry hazardous contaminants such as heavy metals and fertilizers into Florida's natural waterways. It is always a good idea to know what's upstream or along the shore of ye old swimming hole.

Worms
Though not as common in Florida as elsewhere in the U.S., "swimmer's itch" is caused by a parasitic flatworm (Cercaria) that is sometimes found in fresh waterbodies. It is most often present in the summer months. Symptoms are similar to "contact dermatitis" associated with poison ivy and generally appear soon after swimming. Swimmer's itch symptoms include a tingling sensation followed by small red itchy spots. Frequent exposure to the flatworm causes greater sensitivity. Fortunately, the organism soon dies and leaves the swimmer with little more than an itchy, but harmless, welt.

Fungus
Ringworm (genus, species) is actually a fungus that is contracted from stagnant water such as roadside puddles.

Algae
Eutrophication and high levels of phosphates and nitrates can stimulate algae blooms in some waterways. Some algae species can create itchy contact dermatitis and stagnant waters displaying high algae levels should be avoided. For more information about algae, go to another page of this website.

Amoebas
In late summer, there is an unlikely chance of coming in contact with the amoeba Naegleria fowleri. In rare instances exposure to this amoeba can cause Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), a dangerous disease. Because the amoeba enters the body through the sinus cavity, nose clips and dive masks greatly reduce chances of exposure. The amoeba lives in bottom sediments and therefore refraining from swimming the sediments is a good precautionary measure. In the rare event of contracting PAM, early intervention is important. Symptoms begin with severe frontal headaches or a stiff neck within days of swimming. Treatment requires antibiotics.

Swimming Etiquette
Swimming areas are often a shared environment and popular areas frequently give rise to user conflicts. A few protocols can ensure a harmonious environment for all.

Always check for other swimmers before diving or jumping into the water.

Always stay within designated swimming areas to avoid collisions with watercraft.

Always dispose of waste in the appropriate receptacle.

Never leave animal waste in or near a body of water.

Refrain from using foul language in crowded areas.

Do not trample vegetation or harass wildlife.

Never tamper with scuba gear or other equipment belonging to other users.