The Local Swimming Hole

Playing it Safe

The designated swim beach is found at Yorty Creek, on the north side of Lake Sonoma and reached by Hot Springs Road through Cloverdale. Yorty is a day use area with a large sandy beach, covered picnic shelters, a playground, and a fisherman’s trail. Near the Public Boat Ramp is a large swim area with shade although this area is not recommended for young children because of an extreme drop-off in the lake just off-shore.  While visiting Lake Sonoma you are welcome to swim almost anywhere you can safely enter and there are several coves on the shoreline where boats must limit speed to 5 mph.

Please remember there are no lifeguards on duty at Lake Sonoma and swimming is at-your-own-risk.  In addition, water levels are subject to change on a daily or even hourly basis.  Please be aware that trees were not removed from the area when the manmade lake was formed which can make for a very prickly lake bed.  To protect visitors, signs are posted “no jumping from rocks or trees” and rangers will remove all rope swings.

Wearing a life jacket and swimming with a buddy are great ways to have fun and stay safe. If you tire while swimming or run into trouble...” Don't panic,” try to float on your back until the trouble has passed or you feel you have enough strength to return to shore. 

4 Main Causes of Drowning

• Not wearing a lifejacket
• Using alcohol and/or drugs
• Poor/no swimming ability
• Hypothermia

6 Easy Ways to Protect Your Kids

• Watch children at all times.
• Children 12 years old and younger MUST wear a lifejacket on the boat.
• Be an example. Always wear your lifejacket.
• Don't boat or swim while drinking alcohol or using drugs. 
• Swim in designated areas only.
• Swim with a buddy, never alone.

Watch Children at ALL Times

Each year 200 children drown and thousands of others are hospitalized for submersion accidents which leave children with permanent brain damage and respiratory health problems.

• Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death in children ages 1 through 4.
• A child can drown in less time than it takes to answer a telephone.
• A child can drown in an inch of water.
• Drowning is a silent killer. Because they are fighting for air, the victim cannot cry for help.