Why Can’t You Swim in Lake Pontchartrain?

Lake Pontchartrain, a vast estuarine lake stretching over 600 square miles in southeastern Louisiana, is a beloved landmark known for fishing, boating, and scenic beauty. Yet many people wonder—or have been told—that you can’t or shouldn’t swim in Lake Pontchartrain. Is this advice still valid today, or is it a lingering myth from the past?

Let’s explore the history, concerns, and current reality of swimming in Lake Pontchartrain.

1. A History of Pollution: The Root of the “Don’t Swim” Warning

The idea that you shouldn’t swim in Lake Pontchartrain largely stems from decades of poor water quality during the mid-20th century. Starting in the 1950s, the lake suffered from:

• Untreated sewage dumping
• Industrial pollution
• Urban stormwater runoff
• Agricultural chemicals entering the watershed

By the 1970s and 80s, bacteria levels were often high, making the lake unsafe for swimming. Many locals grew up hearing warnings to stay out of the water due to the risk of infections, rashes, or illness.

At that time, these concerns were valid—water quality didn’t meet safe recreational standards.

2. Water Quality Improvements: A New Era

Beginning in the late 1980s, environmental efforts led by the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation (now Pontchartrain Conservancy) started restoring the lake:

✅ Sewage treatment improved

✅ Industrial discharges were regulated

✅ Clean-up projects removed old pollutants

✅ Public education campaigns reduced litter and runoff

Today, water quality in Lake Pontchartrain has improved dramatically. Most monitoring stations show bacteria levels that meet EPA standards for primary contact recreation (like swimming) most of the time.

In fact, several public swimming areas, including Fontainebleau State Park Beach and the Mandeville Lakefront, are now popular spots for safe swimming.

However, water quality can fluctuate, especially after heavy rains when runoff increases bacteria levels temporarily. Public health officials may issue short-term advisories following storms.

3. Sudden Drop-Offs and Hidden Hazards

Another reason some people caution against swimming in Lake Pontchartrain is safety concerns unrelated to pollution. The lake:

• Has sudden underwater drop-offs
• Contains soft, muddy bottoms in some areas that can trap feet
• Experiences stronger currents near passes like the Rigolets and Chef Menteur

Inexperienced swimmers, or those who venture too far from shore, risk drowning if caught unaware by these hazards. Drowning incidents have occurred in the lake, usually involving alcohol, lack of life jackets, or swimming in undesignated areas.

For this reason, swimming is safest in designated beaches or shallow shoreline zones, where lifeguards or warning signs can guide visitors.

4. Aquatic Wildlife: Misconceptions About Sharks and Gators

Some people are reluctant to swim in Lake Pontchartrain because of fears of sharks or alligators. While both species are present in the ecosystem, the risk they pose to swimmers is extremely low:

Bull sharks occasionally enter the lake through tidal passes but stay mostly in deeper, saltier parts. There are no confirmed attacks on swimmers in the main lake in modern history.

Alligators are typically found in marshes and shoreline wetlands rather than open water. They avoid human activity unless provoked or fed.

The chance of encountering dangerous wildlife while swimming in popular areas is negligible.

5. Why Some Still Say “Don’t Swim”

Even with improvements, some locals and visitors continue to avoid swimming in Lake Pontchartrain. Reasons may include:

🔹 Lingering memories of past pollution

🔹 Personal or family anecdotes about unsafe conditions

🔹 Cultural beliefs or caution passed down through generations

🔹 Preference for clearer waters found in pools or Gulf beaches

For some, the murky appearance of the water creates a sense of unease, even though the color results from natural sediments rather than contamination.

6. Is It Safe to Swim in Lake Pontchartrain Today?

✅ Yes—most of the time, in designated areas. Water quality is regularly monitored, and most shorelines meet safe swimming standards under normal conditions.

⚠️ Caution is needed:

🔹Avoid swimming right after heavy rains

🔹Swim only in designated or supervised areas

🔹Stay clear of drainage canals, passes, and deep channels

🔹Be aware of sudden depth changes

The Louisiana Department of Health and Pontchartrain Conservancy publish water quality reports to help the public stay informed.

Conclusion: You Can Swim in Lake Pontchartrain—With Awareness

The long-held idea that “you can’t swim in Lake Pontchartrain” is largely outdated. Thanks to decades of environmental restoration, the lake is cleaner and safer for recreation than it’s been in generations.

However, swimming in the lake requires an understanding of its natural risks, from fluctuating water quality after storms to hidden underwater hazards. Visitors who follow advisories, stick to safe swimming zones, and respect nature’s power can enjoy this iconic lake responsibly.

✅ Don’t let outdated myths keep you from experiencing the beauty of Lake Pontchartrain—but always swim smart and stay safe.