Beach Rules & Safety

• Swimming is only permitted when a lifeguard is present. Lifeguards are only present from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m daily from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
• During our beach season (generally Memorial Day through Labor Day), swimming access is restricted before 10 a.m. and after 7 p.m.
• Smoking, vaping, or alcoholic beverages are not allowed on the beach.
• No glass containers permitted on the beach.
• Only Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices or pool noodles are permitted. The prohibition of other flotation devices is a policy made to ensure water safety. 
• Pets are not allowed on the beach or in the water.
• Children under 14 years of age and non-swimmers shall not use the beach unless accompanied by an adult. 
• Swimming is allowed only in the designated swimming areas, marked by buoys.
• Nudity is not allowed on the beach and the entirety of the Geist Waterfront Park property.
• Horseplay or conduct that may result in injury is restricted.
• Fishing is not allowed when the swimming area is open to public recreational swimming.
• Fires, fire pits, and grills are prohibited on the beach.

Indiana Department of Health Rules

• Anyone who has or has had diarrhea in the past two (2) weeks shall not use the beach.
• Anyone who has an area of exposed sub-epidermal tissue, open blisters, cuts, etc., is advised not to use the beach.
• All persons shall take a cleansing shower before using the beach. A bather leaving the beach to use the toilet shall take another cleansing shower before returning to the beach.
• Spitting, spouting of water, blowing the nose, and similar behavior in the water is prohibited. 
• No running or rough play is permitted on the beach, runways, floats, platforms, dressing rooms, or showers.
• Street clothes are not allowed in the water.
• All diaper-aged children shall use plastic pants with tight-fitting elastic at the legs and waist, or swim diapers.
• Do not change diapers beachside.

Healthy Swimming at the Beach

• Don’t swallow the water.
• Shower before & after swimming.
• Dry your ears thoroughly after swimming.
• Avoid swimming after a rain event. Rain can wash contaminants from on land into the water.
• Avoid swimming if you see a blue-green algae bloom.
• Stay out of the water if you have diarrhea.
• Take children on frequent bathroom breaks when swimming.
• Change diapers frequently and away from the water. Wash your hands and the child’s hands after changing diapers.
• Dispose of trash, animal waste, and boat waste properly.
• Waterfowl (ducks, geese, seagulls, other  birds) are part of the scenery. We discourage you from feeding any wildlife you may encounter.

Water Quality

During Phase 1 construction of the Geist Waterfront Park property, a significant amount of work was done to develop the beach and cove for public and park use. In this process, we discovered three freshwater springs in the cove, which serve as a constant supply of fresh water. Additionally, the City has installed six industrial-sized aerators, positioned throughout the cove, to continually move water, which improves water quality. These can be seen next to the large, orange buoys in the water.

Before the beach opens annually, the Fishers Parks will complete water testing, followed by weekly testing through the summer season to ensure water is safe for all swimmers. Since the beginning, water quality has been a priority as we serve our residents and community. 

Water Quality Alerts & What They Mean

The Fishers Health Department conducts regular testing of open waters in Fishers to monitor water quality levels, including water temperature, dissolved oxygen, and bacteria such as E. coli. For Geist Waterfront Park, Fishers Parks conducts regular testing specific to the beach area.

Bacteria, such as E. coli grow faster at higher temperatures. Higher temperatures combined with rain events and environmental factors can increase the pathogenic bacteria levels such as E. coli. Fishers has both urban and agricultural runoff inputs into the watershed which affects our water quality.

In the event of a failed water-quality test, swimming is prohibited for the day, and testing will be completed daily thereafter until the water tests as clean and safe. Beach closures will be communicated via the Fishers Parks Twitter page.

How often are waterways tested?
Open waterways are tested monthly, with Geist Waterfront Park cove being testing weekly. Specific locations are listed on the Open Water Quality page.

What if I’ve been exposed to open water with unsatisfactory results? 
Individuals should contact their health care provider. Make sure to ask the doctor to consider testing for E. coli. Let the doctor know when and where you suspect you were infected.

How can I find more information about the results of the testing in all open water areas? 
For a full list of waterways and their results, click here.

Facility & Weather Updates

Please follow Fishers Parks on Facebook and Instagram for the most up-to-date announcements regarding facility and weather updates.