BALTIMORE — On Thursday, Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) Acting Director Matthew W. Garbark, sent out a statement to remind residents not to swim in City reservoirs.
A tragic drowning occurred this week at the City-owned Liberty Reservoir and, already this year, several drownings and emergency rescues have been reported in other parts of Maryland.
DPW asks that everyone obey the reservoir's “No Swimming” warnings.
There are three raw-water reservoirs located in Baltimore City and Carroll County and they include, Prettyboy, Loch Raven and Liberty. Among other things, visitors are welcome to walk, bike, hike, fish and boat. However, swimming is not allowed.
Temperatures in these 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 and those caught swimming can be charged with trespassing.
All visitors are encouraged to call 911 in the event of an emergency. However, DPW’s Environmental Police are on-site and available to assist.
