Big Bear Lake Swim Beach (Meadow Park)

Know before you go

Getting in

Swim Beach at Meadow Park on the south shore, run by the Big Bear Valley Recreation and Park District. Elsewhere on the lake, Big Bear Municipal Water District rules allow swimming only within 50 feet of shore, in a designated swimming area, or within 20 feet of a private dock.

Lifeguards

Swim Beach is the lake's only lifeguarded area; San Bernardino County's district page has posted that it is closed for the remainder of the season, so check its status before going. There are no lifeguards anywhere else on the lake; swim at your own risk.

Water quality

Big Bear Municipal Water District publishes seasonal algae information; most algae in the lake is non-toxic, but some may pose a risk.

Season

Swimming is a summer activity; check Swim Beach status before going.

Watch for

• Cold water: the lake stays below 70°F most of the year, with a risk of cold-water shock
• Underwater obstacles near the shoreline as lake levels fluctuate
• Lightning storms develop quickly and often strike the lake
• Seasonal algae

Facilities

Picnic area · Playground

Sources: specialdistricts.sbcounty.gov, bbmwd.com, bigbear.com, destinationbigbear.com, en.wikipedia.org, openstreetmap.org

How was your swim?