By Sanchali Singh
(MONTPELIER, Vt.) The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department reminded people to not swim in fishing access points because it isn’t safe and is against the law.
In a statement, the department said these areas are meant for launching and retrieving motorboats.
“These areas have allowed uses determined by law, and swimming is not one of them,” the department said.
The wildlife department manages 196 developed fishing access areas on lakes and rivers throughout the state, which were purchased and maintained through funds made by selling fishing licenses and registrations.
Because swimming did not financially support the fishing access points, “these funding sources explicitly prohibit activities that are in conflict with fishing and boating.”
Swimming isn’t the only thing prohibited at fishing access areas — littering, camping, picnicking, making a fire, parking of vehicles not related to priority uses and commercial activity are also not allowed.
“It’s great that people want to get out in the water, but a boat ramp is not the right place to go swimming,” said Mike Wichrowski, who oversees the Fishing Access Area Program. “There’s a reason motorboats aren’t allowed in swimming areas, and swimming isn’t allowed at fishing access areas — it’s simply not safe.”
Vermont State Game Wardens have had to respond to incidents where people are swimming at fishing access points. In some cases, people and children were swimming right next to or near boat ramps while boats are being launched.
“We understand that people want to go swimming, especially during hot weather, but we are urging folks to swim at locally approved swimming areas,” said Colonel Jason Batchelder. “Finding a safe swimming area is easy in most communities. Just ask at a general store or other [places] where people gather.”
The department added that not adhering to state law and swimming at access areas can result in a $162 fine.