The first day of summer begins June 20, but the summer heat is already creeping up on the Upstate. Don't sweat it; dive into the coolest pools and serene lakes of the Upstate for a refreshing summer vacation.
Spartanburg, Greenville, and Anderson offer many spots to cool off with friends and family. Whether you're looking for a quick swim or an evening of picnics, kayaking, and more, there is something for everyone.
Summer safety tips
Search teams recovered the bodies of two Pickens County students Monday from Lake Hartwell. Officials say the teenagers jumped into the lake between Pike Road and Old Jewel Bridge Road.
The three teenagers were in a group chat, challenging each other to see who could swim across the lake, according to police officials. One of the teens got into distress, and another person jumped in to help. Both drowned in the current under the bridge.
Authorities are advising extreme caution regarding swimming this summer.
The American Red Cross suggests the following safety tips:
- Know what to do in a water emergency , including how to safely help someone in trouble in the water, call for emergency help, and perform CPR.
- Ensure every family member learns to swim. They should know how to enter the water, get a breath, stay afloat, change position, swim a distance, and get out of the water safely.
- Remember to supervise children closely to prevent drowning.
- Remember to swim in designated areas and never swim alone. Use life vests and other floatation devices.
For more information about water safety, visit the American Red Cross .
Upstate SC pools: Opening dates, how to get memberships, safety tips. What to know.
Waterparks
The Upstate has a variety of fun, adventurous waterparks and relaxing lazy rivers for you to enjoy with your whole family. Check their websites for verified times and dates for private events and holidays.
► 7th Inning Splash Waterpark , 1500 Piedmont Hwy., Piedmont. Rates are $8, and the park is open Mondays through Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. until 5:30 p.m.
► Discovery Island Waterpark , 417 Baldwin Road, Simpsonville. Rates are $14.50 for 48” and taller and $10 for 47” and under, Seniors and Land Lovers. The park is open Monday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. until 5:30 p.m.
► Otter Creek Waterpark , 101 W. Darby Road, Greenville. Rates are $13.50 for 42” and taller and $10 for 41” and under, Seniors and Land Lovers. The park is open Mondays through Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. until 5:30 p.m.
Natural bodies of water
The Upstate has many bodies of water, including lakes, rivers, and creeks, offering fun and relaxation days. Enjoy a family picnic and spend the day kayaking or collecting neat fossils.
To stay safe and prevent injury or drowning, remember to never jump into a natural body of water without proper flotation devices and to never jump from high platforms. You never know what may lie on the bottom of a lake, such as sharp rocks, thick branches, or dangerous animals.
► Tyger River , 599 Minnow Bridge Road, Union. Tyger River offers river access for kayaking, fishing, and swimming.
► Pacolet River offers visitors different water activities, including kayaking and rafting. Five different routes contain different rapid levels. Visit their website for information about rentals, trips, and access points.
► North Tyger River offers visitors options for fishing, swimming, and kayaking with Class II and Class II-III rapids shortly after the Morris Bridge Road River Access and Roadside Parking spot. Visit their website for information about access points.
► Lake Bowen , 8515 Highway 9, Inman. Visitors can enjoy picnic pavilions, waterfront access for fishing, a playground, and two boat ramps to enjoy their day on Lake Bowen.
► Lake Craig at Croft State Park, 450 Croft State Park Road, Spartanburg, offers visitors 165 acres of water to enjoy fishing, boating, and kayaking. Swimming is not permitted in the lake, but you can still enjoy many outdoor activities that Lake Craig offers.
► Lake Cooley , 100 Cooley Dock Road, Inman. Lake Cooley offers various outdoor activities for family enjoyment, providing picnic tables, fishing piers, kayak and paddleboard rentals, boating ramps, and even outdoor educational centers.
► Lyman Lake , 200 Lyman Lodge Road, Lyman. Visitors can access boating ramps and fishing piers and swim and relax in this 1.4 billion-gallon reservoir. Cabins are also available to rent, perfect for a weekend getaway.
► Lake Placid , 2401 State Park Road, Greenville. Visitors have a small yet beautiful lake where they can enjoy fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding, and it offers rentals to those who don't have their own.
► Saluda Lake , 605 Motor Boat Club Road, Greenville. This lake only permits fishing, boating, kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding. Boating access is available on the lake's website.
► Lake Robinson , 2544 Mays Bridge Rd., Greer. This 800-acre lake is perfect for fishing, kayaking, and paddle boarding. Swimming is not permitted in the lake, but it offers the opportunity to fish for bass, crappie, and catfish, along with boating ramps and picnic tables.
► Lake Cunningham , 2844 N. McElhaney Road, Greer. Like Lake Robinson, this 200-acre lake is perfect for fishing and boating. Lake Cunningham does not allow swimming but is ideal for a quick family fishing trip.
► Lake Broadway , Between US 76 and SC 28, Anderson. This small, 300-acre lake provides fun outdoor activities for the whole family. Enjoy boating, swimming off the beach shore, or a casual day of fishing.
Did we miss any of your favorite water spots? Let us know! Joanna Johnson covers community news and education for the Herald-Journal. Reach her via email at jjohnson@shj.com.
This article originally appeared on Herald-Journal: Rivers, lakes, waterparks in Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson, summer swimming safety tips
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