Baltimore City Department of Public Works Director Rudolph S. Chow, P.E., has issued a reminder to everyone: Please be safe and responsible: Do not swim in the City’s reservoirs.

Another tragic drowning occurred Monday, Aug. 27, at one of our City’s reservoirs. With another month of summer weather to go, and a long holiday weekend ahead, it is worth reminding everyone of the dangers associated with swimming in our reservoirs.

Baltimore City has three raw-water reservoirs located in Baltimore and Carroll counties: Prettyboy, Loch Raven and Liberty. These areas offer beautiful scenery with opportunities for biking, hiking, bird watching, boating and fishing.

Reservoirs, however, are not safe for swimming, and doing so can lead to tragedy. Temperatures in the deep waters drop quickly and diving into them may lead to hypothermia. In addition there are very rapid drop-offs, currents, hidden rocks and branches. “No Swimming” warning signs are posted at each of the three reservoirs.

These man-made lakes are our drinking water. DPW asks that everyone heed this warning: those caught swimming can be charged with trespassing and, if convicted, will have a criminal record. Violators can also be fined up to $1,000 and jailed. All three reservoirs are patrolled, on land and water, by DPW’s Environmental Police - full-time police officers with full authority to arrest violators. Other local law enforcement agencies also patrol these areas.

All too frequently drownings and near-misses occur at these reservoirs. When enjoying the reservoirs, parents should supervise children at all times, and please make sure that even your young adult children are aware of the dangers and legal consequences of swimming there. Please heed the signs to make the rest of your summer a safe one. To reach our reservoir police officers in an emergency, please dial 911.