TEMPE, Ariz. — Are you planning a visit to Tempe Town Lake? Not to swim, you aren't.
A quick look at trending Google searches reveals many Arizonans are wondering why they can't swim in Arizona's second-most visited public attraction. TikTok videos, social media posts and many Reddit threads are all dedicated to the man-made lake. Especially as one can see paddleboards and boats in the lake, people are wondering: why is swimming not allowed?
Is swimming allowed?
Savannah Harrelson-Driskill, a public information officer for the city of Tempe, said the lake is regulated by Maricopa County as an "artificial body of water," and has never been operated with recreational swimming allowed.
"The design was built for flood control," Harrelson-Driskill said. "It wasn't designed for swimming."
According to the city of Tempe website, swimming or "voluntarily entering water at Tempe Town Lake" is prohibited except for special sporting events circumstances. Those sporting events are organized through the Parks and Recreation Department and include events such as triathlons or IRONMAN Arizona.
"These are only allowed through the Tempe special events process and after county-regulated water tests," Harrelson-Driskill said.
Unsanctioned swimming is against city code and violators could be cited and fined up to $1,000, Harrelson-Driskill said.
So, what can I do at Tempe Town Lake?
If you're wondering what you can do at Tempe Town Lake, never fear: just because swimming isn't an option doesn't mean the attraction is without fun. The man-made lake boasts 25 acres of paths and trails, sports picnic areas, art and scenery, and hosts dozens of festivals throughout the area. You can rent a paddleboard, kayak, pedal boat or motorized boat to enjoy the lake and six bridges crossing it.
Harrelson-Driskill said the city of Tempe also offers a "variety of boating classes" for beginners to experts, and those who own their own watercraft can enjoy Tempe Town Lake with a boating permit.
Not a boat person? If fishing is more your style, Tempe Town Lake can also be used by anglers, too!
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