This summer has been extremely hot in our area – and the dog days of August are here. Even if you don’t have a pool, or belong to a swim club, you can feel the joy of diving into cool, refreshing water.

Just head to one of the many natural swimming spots within driving distance in the Philadelphia region.  This article from Curbed Philadelphia offers 13 lakes and rivers near Philly where you can take a dip.  Some, like Bellmawr Lake,  offer lifeguards, snack stands and bathrooms. Others, like Atsion Lake,  Lake Absegami and Union Lake, are a bit more rugged, but suitable for fishing and boating as well as swimming. Tubing is a great way to explore the Brandywine River, and you can even enjoy an evening hanging out with triathletes in the Schuylkill River through guarded swims sponsored by French Creek Racing. See all of the swimming spots here.  Then take a drive, dive in and enjoy our region’s cool refreshing waters.

Tags: Atsion Lake, Bellmawr Lake, Brandywine River, Curbed Philadelphia, Lake Absegami, swimming, Union Lake