Babe it’s HOT outside! That means Rainbow Springs State Park is getting very, very busy. This news letter is going to be a reminder to everyone about the dos and don’ts of the park weather your new to our area or here year-round, it’s always good to review. The weekends are extremely busy and as most have seen Hwy.41 north and south bound lanes are backed up. This creates a very dangerous situation. Therefore, you will notice a Sherriff Officer monitoring the park, the park entrances and exits on the weekends to ensure safety .
To keep the traffic flowing, off of Hwy 41, you might be redirected out. So don’t be surprised when we have reached capacity and the park is closed that you are informed of this. Plan you day early as there are many times we reach capacity within 1-2 hours and may not reopen. We do this for safety reasons. In our swim area the water is very deep so be prepared with either a life vest, which MUST be worn, you cannot use it to float on top of. Styrofoam noodles not plastic noodles are the only floatation allowed in the water. No tubes, rafts, Kayaks or paddles boards are allowed in the swim area.
If you are on a vessel you can dock it at the boat ramp rental area and walk to the swim area to swim. No swimming is allowed outside of the swim area , no scuba diving is allowed in the State Park aquatic area. Please remember we are an aquatic preserve. If you swim outside the area you are disturbing the underwater life and growth. Infants can be in the 2 holed tube float and handicapped individuals can use their approved handicapped device. The swim dock is small so we ask that no chairs, strollers, tables and personnel belongings are on the dock , no sun bathing as well as this becomes a trip hazard. Leave you radios up on the lawn area and not on the swim dock.
Parents, please keep an eye on your children we do not have life guards and things can happen quickly. Lastly, do not hang on the rope lines, when you do this it wears away the coating on the ropes causing them to stretch, and then the ropes sink to the bottom. Do not climb on the big orange buoys. Boats that are powered by gas and trolling motors are not permitted in the River of the State Park. Trolling motors must be lifted and you must paddle into the aquatic area. Our Patrol Boat has an electric motor and that is how we are able to patrol the water. Rainbow Springs State Park welcomes you and we want you to have a great memorable time so please help us to keep you safe as well. We are looking for volunteers on our Boat Patrol, Wednesday crew , parking and gift shop. If you have just a few hours please contact Thea.M.Knott@FloridaDep.gov. Office:352-465-8518.
Laura Fronk
Volunteer Liaison
