In search of the nearest swimming hole

Warmer weather means summer, and for many families, summer means swimming. Except that swimming options are limited just now. But we have some ideas for you. Click on the name of the pool for official details. Click on the name of the town (in parentheses) to see a Google map.

POSSIBILE

Walt Williamson Pool at Village Green Park (Rockton) will be open this summer for public swimming and lessons. The brochure gives details: Page1 Page2.

Olson Lake Beach at Rock Cut State Park (Loves Park/Caledonia) - cost is by height: $5 over 48", $2.50 under 48", and free for age 3 and under No food, smoking, or lifeguards. Call 815-885-4740 for more information.

Catch the Wave Swim Club (South Beloit) offers open swimming as an option, along with birthday parties and pool rentals. Call 815-713-4481 for reservations. They specialize in Survival/Self-Rescue swim lessons for small children, even babies.

Turtle Creek (Shopiere, Turtle, east of Beloit) is popular with kayakers, tubers and fishers. The water is usually slow and shallow enough for swimming downstream from 140, before you get to Sweet Allyn Park.

Krueger Pool (Beloit) takes reservations Thursday through Sundays. Call 608-364-2877 to make reservations for a 90 minute session, shared with no more than 50 people.

Lions Beach (Janesville) opens on May 29, 2021. Free public beach.

Sand Park (Loves Park), Alpine Pool (Rockford), and Harkins Aquatic Center (Rockford) will be open each afternoon June 19 - August 22. Online reservation required, two-hour increments. Call 815-987-1623 for more information.

Hurricane Harbor Rockford (Cherry Valley). At the water park known as Magic Waters until Six Flags bought it, one-day tickets start at $19.99.

LESS POSSIBLE

The Ledges Pool Association (Roscoe) is not accepting new memberships. There is a waitlist -  returning family memberships are $450.

Dolphin Swim Club (Loves Park) says, "Due to COVID – 19 we will not be hosting any events, open swims or booster camps until further notice."

Rock River (various) is considered too dangerous to swim in. So is the Pecatonica River. Great for boating, canoeing, and kayaking, though.

Pearl Lake Beach (South Beloit) is not open for public swimming this year, only for overnight guests.

Any other suggestions?