Pearl Goes Swimming
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 5 hours ago
If you know anything about Pearl, dear reader, it is that she loves to go swimming.
Dogs like to go swimming due to breed history, natural instincts, and physical comfort. Many dogs (like Pearl) find that splashing around is a fun way to play and cool down on a hot day. Pearl has never been known to turn down running into the water after a stick has been thrown into it.
Summer in Vermont is a special time that needs to be properly taken advantage of. Activities such as swimming in the numerous streams, rivers, lakes, and ponds is what some people and pets spend all year dreaming of.
Although Pearl does not discriminate against any swimming spot, she does have a soft spot for the Trout River. Any good Vermonter will not give up the exact location of their favorite swimming hole but trust that you can find several great spots across the Missisquoi watershed.
To get you started on your Missisquoi watershed swimming journey, visit our sister organization the Upper Missisquoi and Trout River's (UMATR) Wild & Scenic Committee's website https://www.umatrvt.org/explore to see all of the fantastic things you can do on the Upper Missisquoi and Trout Rivers.
If you are looking for a swimming spot outside of the Missisquoi watershed, visit the Vermont River Conservancy (VRC)'s website here:
Now that you have decided where you want to go, there are a few things to check on and to keep in mind.
Look at the weather before you head out. Although summer weather in Vermont features warm days with comfortable mid-80s highs and humid conditions, weather can be unpredictable at times and rainstorms can come out of nowhere with high severity. To best keep yourself safe, take a look at the weather forecast for high temperatures, storms, and wildfire smoke.
Be sure to tell someone where you are going and bring a buddy with you. Most things in life are more fun with a friend by your side and swimming is no exception to that. Pearl never goes swimming without her best friend and tells someone at home where they will be and for about how long they will be there.
Pack water to hydrate you, sunscreen for sun protection, bug spray for mosquito and tick protection, and a towel to dry off after. Other things to consider bringing include water shoes, a hat, change of clothes, and a snack to fuel back up after all that fun in the sun.
Avoid swimming after a heavy rain storm. You should avoid swimming after rain due to stormwater runoff, high bacteria levels, dangerous currents, high waters, and hidden driftwood, sharp metal, glass, and other hazards under the water's surface. Heavy rain washes pollution, trash, and raw sewage from streets and overflowing systems directly into lakes, rivers. This can cause stomach bugs, ear aches, and skin rashes.
While you are swimming it is important to not push yourself, listen to your body and the water. Wear a life jacket if you need to- they save lives!
Swimming is a fantastic activity that provides comprehensive physical and psychological benefits. Swimming acts as a highly efficient full-body workout that enhances cardiovascular health, muscular strength, and mental well-being, all with a low risk of joint injury. Not to mention swimming is a great way to beat the heat and explore beautiful places across the region.
Once you are done swimming, pick up after yourself and your pets. No one that goes swimming after you wants to see your cans, trash, and dog poop on the side of the river. When it rains, bacteria and nutrients found in animal waste get washed into Vermont’s waterways. We do not want that to enter the waters. The best way to be a steward of the river is to take anything you brought swimming with you back out and pick up any pet waste.
Pearl thanks you for doing your part to keep the rivers clean!
The most important part is to have fun! Summer in Vermont is short but oh so sweet. Pearl encourages you to first finish reading this blog post, and then follow her advice as written out above to go swimming, you will not regret it!
Have a fun and safe time swimming throughout the state, take the time to relax, enjoy yourself and take in the view. Be sure to say hi to Pearl if you happen to float past her!
