OWS in Jackson Area

As far as the reservoir goes, the only place I know of to do a fairly safe swim would be right off of Old Trace park in ridgeland, right next to the madison landing. If you stay close to shore, there isnt a lot of boat traffic because its fairly shallow. I think there is about a 1/4 mile of lake front at the park. Go early if you are going to swim on the weekends because its fills up with people wading in the water.

You can also swim in "The Cove" its an area right off of the Overlook Point on the trace, its full of boats on the weekends, but mostly parked. If its empty, watch for snakes and you will want to wear some type of aquatic shoes (lots of rocks and beer cans and bottles in the area)

There is a triathlon (tri4life) going on off of lakeshore park that is on Pelahatchie bay on the rankin side of the rez, i would not recommend swimming here on normal occasions unless you stay very close to the shore. There is a lot of boat traffic in the area and you will see the occasional gator, although they wont bother you unless you bother them

let me know if you want some more details about either of these

I'm not sure about the reunion, I would imagine with all of their restrictions you would have to live out there, If someone knows otherwise please chime in, its a nice lake to swim in.

unfortunately, Most lakes large enough to do a OWS in around here are private lakes that you must live on or own property around to use

I used to swim in Mayes lake when I was a kid, its at La Fluers bluff park, and you can get to it by turning off of lakeland at the youth baseball fields

Edited by ColdBrew 2010-08-10 2:20 PM

Thanks for the reply.  A few weeks ago we swam out at where Tri4Life will be held.  Not sure if we swam in the exact spot (out in front of the picnic tables on the shore at Pelahatchie Park).  We were close to shore and could usually touch the ground with our hands while swimming.  It was early and the only company we had was a guy and his dog playing fetch in the water.  I can see how that place could get crowded, a guy was already loading his jet ski in the water when we were there. 

We'll have to check out Old Trace Park.  Planning on doing Heatwave next year anyways so at some point it'd be a good idea. 

Side note: Tri4Life was a planned race but is official as of today.  Just registered!