Summer weather is in full swing in LivCo! The sun is shining, birds are chirping, and the temperature is about as high as it gets around here.
If a cool, refreshing dip in the water is exactly what you need, you’ve got options. Take a swim in a natural pool, hop in the river, or dive into a public pool and turn a warm summer day into a day of water fun!
Lifeguard? No, swim with caution
Pool type: River
Swimming, tubing, boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, or canoeing, any way you want to get on or in the water, you can on the Genesee River. Just find a public access site and hop in! The river is, of course, natural and not monitored by any lifeguards, so use caution when deciding if you should swim. Conditions are constantly changing so always check the current conditions and weather ahead of time.
Lifeguard? Yes
Pool type: Man-made
The Harvey Pool opens in late June and stays open through Labor Day. This Olympic-size pool is at the north end of the park, by the Mount Morris entrance in the Highbanks Recreation Area of Letchworth State Park. The pool is free and open to the public, but you will pay a $10 entrance fee to get into the park.
Lifeguard? Yes
Pool type: Stream-fed natural pool
Stony Brook State Park is a gorge park like Letchworth, but on a smaller scale so you can easily hike the 2.3-mile gorge trail loop. The trail is well marked but dotted with stairs, so come prepared to climb. You’ll pass by three waterfalls as you walk through the woods and enjoy the sound of the rushing river. At the base of the trail is a stream-fed pool, where buoys clearly outline the swimming area and lifeguards sit on duty so you can take a cooling dip after your hike.
Lifeguard? No
Pool type: N/A
While there’s no swimming at Vitale Park, it’s still a year-round playground with plenty to do. Located on the north end of Conesus Lake, Vitale Park has stunning views of the Finger Lakes hills as well as a playground, walking trails, gardens, restrooms, and the Chip Holt Nature Center. It’s also a popular fishing spot, and you can easily access the water with the on-site boat launch. Rent a pavilion and have a picnic by the lake, sign up for a family-friendly activity at the nature center, or stop by on Sunday night for a free summer concert (you can even listen from the water!) Vitale Park is also home to a newly developed storybook trail, where kids can read from the pages of a book that lines the trail. The story changes every 3 - 4 weeks, so you can bring your kids back to enjoy it again and again.
Lifeguard? Yes
Pool type: Indoor
The Dansville YMCA has a pool big enough for the whole family and friends! YMCA members can take advantage of visiting locations while traveling to help the kids (or mom and dad) burn off some steam and swim a few laps. Members can extend a guest pass to friends, or you can purchase a day pass to cool down without the full membership.
