Swimming at Santa Margarita Lake likely next year

Santa Margarita Lake, one of San Luis Obispo County's most popular reservoirs, could open to swimmers by mid-2027 under a new state law signed late last month by Gov. Gavin Newsom.

The governor signed Senate Bill 1253 on Aug. 31, removing a longstanding state regulation that barred swimming and other body-contact recreation at the lake, CalCoastNews reported. The change won't take effect immediately, though — county staff must first work through a series of health, safety and operational requirements before the public can legally take a dip.

Why the change matters locally

For decades, Santa Margarita Lake has been open to boaters, kayakers and other water vessels, but anyone without access to a boat has largely been limited to shoreline activities. The new law opens the reservoir to a much broader range of recreational users — families looking for a summer swimming hole, paddleboarders, and residents who simply want to cool off during the county's increasingly hot inland afternoons.

The lake, located roughly 10 miles northeast of San Luis Obispo near the small town of Santa Margarita, is a regional draw for camping, fishing and boating. Adding swimming would expand its role as a warm-weather recreation destination for North County and San Luis Obispo residents alike.

The change also comes as communities across the Central Coast weigh how to expand outdoor recreation access amid continued growth in Paso Robles, Atascadero and the greater San Luis Obispo area.

What county officials are saying

San Luis Obispo County Public Works Director John Diodati, who is also overseeing the Parks and Recreation Department, struck a note of both enthusiasm and caution.

"This is an exciting possibility for Santa Margarita Lake, but there is still a lot of work ahead of us," Diodati said, according to CalCoastNews. "Protecting drinking water and public safety will remain our first priorities."

That last point is significant. Santa Margarita Lake is a drinking water reservoir, and body-contact recreation has long been restricted out of concern for water quality. Any move toward allowing swimming will require the county to satisfy state and local health standards designed to keep the drinking water supply safe while opening the lake to the public.

County staff are now working to address the health, safety and operational requirements needed to permit swimming and other forms of body-contact recreation, with mid-2027 emerging as the likely timeline.

Why swimming was banned in the first place

The prohibition on swimming at Santa Margarita Lake dates back decades and stems from the reservoir's role as a municipal water supply. California has historically imposed stricter rules on body-contact recreation at reservoirs that serve as drinking water sources, limiting activities that could introduce contaminants.

Under those rules, the county has allowed motorized boats, kayaks and other vessels on the lake — activities that involve some water contact but were permitted under the regulatory framework. Swimming, wading and full-body immersion, however, remained off-limits.

Senate Bill 1253 changed that framework, eliminating the state-level regulation that stood in the way. The legislation followed a broader statewide conversation about expanding recreational access at reservoirs, though local implementation remains the county's responsibility.

What happens next

Residents shouldn't expect to swim at the lake this summer. The county's timeline hinges on completing several steps:

• Water quality safeguards. Because the lake supplies drinking water, the county must ensure body-contact recreation won't compromise the supply, officials indicated.
• Public safety planning. Lifeguard coverage, designated swim areas, signage and emergency response protocols will all need to be worked out before the lake can safely open to swimmers.
• Operational changes. Parks and Recreation staff will need to determine how swimming fits alongside existing boating, camping and fishing operations at the lake's facilities.

County officials have not yet detailed a specific rollout plan, and residents should watch upcoming Board of Supervisors agendas and Parks and Recreation discussions for more concrete proposals in the months ahead.

A new chapter for a familiar lake

For longtime locals, the prospect of swimming at Santa Margarita Lake marks a notable shift in how the reservoir is used. The lake was created by the construction of the Salinas Dam in the early 1940s and has since become a centerpiece of outdoor life in the region, surrounded by campground facilities and trails.

If the county meets its mid-2027 target, Santa Margarita Lake would join a short list of inland swimming destinations in San Luis Obispo County — a welcome option for residents who currently travel to the coast or to lakes in neighboring counties for open-water swimming.

In the meantime, boating, kayaking and fishing at the lake continue under existing rules. County staff say protecting the drinking water supply and public safety will guide every decision as the transition moves forward.

This article is based on reporting by [CalCoastNews](https://calcoastnews.com/2026/09/swimming-at-santa-margarita-lake-likely-next-year/). Additional details about county implementation plans will be reported as they become available.