It’s August. It’s hot. Folks are swimming illegally at Crystal Lake and — in the process — perhaps harming the lake’s fragile ecology and putting lives at risk. To make matters worse, the official (i.e. legal) part of the swim season closes in just over two weeks (Aug. 20) so after that a law-abiding citizen has three choices: Be hot, swim elsewhere or stop being a law-abiding citizen.
When I saw Richard Primack’s column in today TAB, I was hoping he was going to propose a solution to Newton’s Crystal Lake conundrum. He doesn’t. But he does a nice job summing up the problems surrounding “Newton’s recreational jewel.”
What do you think? Should the “no swimming” laws at Crystal Lake be better enforced? Ignored? Tossed out?
I would love to see the city explain their reasons for the swim ban. It appears pointless to me. I would prefer a “swim at your own risk” approach. When toxic bacteria comes along, then signs can be posted.
Ryan: Did you read the column? Richard did a good job outlining the pros and cons.
@RGD (my old friend)
Some residents who live around the lake.
Swim at own risk. Perhaps it can be a sanctuary lake. It is illegal to swim there but doing so won’t be reported or enforced unless major crimes are committed.
Newton is good with this kind of approach in other areas. 🙂
And yes, I read the article. People peeing in the lake isn’t causing harm.
@Greg,
Yes, I did. I would still like to hear the CITY’s explanation. If all the minor risks discussed in the column can be mitigated, there is no reason people cannot swim. One way or another, people are clearly set on swimming there. So, it’s really just a matter of mitigation and rules.
What message are parents sending to their children when they allow them to swim in a place that’s clearly marked “no swimming” or, even more egregious, taking your kids out of the water if a police officer tells them to get out, but then going back after the police leave or the next day?
I won’t opine on messaging, that is up to parents. The cold reality is people do it, so why not make it legal and safer?
Seems to like there is no insurmountable obstacle to allowing swimming.