Cool down this summer with 5 swimming holes in Alabama + expert water safety tips

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Take a splash in a nearby swimming hole to cool down from the crazy summer heat. Keep reading to find out where you can swim to stay refreshed and how to stay safe while doing so with expert tips from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama.

Swimming holes

Connect with Blue Cross and Blue and Blue Shield of Alabama on Instagram for summer safety tips.

Jump on in the water

Spend the day swimming in the water hole off the Cahaba River, where there is even a rope swing to help you swing on in. The Cahaba River is known for being the longest free-flowing river in Alabama.

• Cahaba River
• Location: Latitude 33.5116, Longitude -86.6525

Take a plunge at DeSoto Falls. Swimming is allowed in a few areas of the park—Laurel Creek and above A. A. Miller Dam, located in West Fork of Little River, which runs through DeSoto State Park.

• DeSoto Falls
• Location: 7104 DeSoto Parkway NE Fort Payne, AL 35967

Devil’s Den Falls, a hidden gem of Alabama, is located on the Chinnabee Silent Trail, within the Talladega National Forest. Spend all day swimming under the beautiful waterfall as it flows into one of the most popular swimming holes in the state.

• Devil’s Den Falls
• Location: Latitude 33.456819, Longitude -85.8702217

Splash around at The Blue Hole, a popular swimming spot at located at Turkey Creek Nature Preserve. The swimming hole is known for being home to some of the bluest waters in the state of Alabama. You won’t regret spending a hot summer day here.

• The Blue Hole
• Location: 3906 Turkey Creek Rd, Pinson, AL 35126

Check out Hippie Hole located off Little River Canyon National Preserve. In addition to swimming, you can jump in the water from surrounding cliffs. Make sure to pack a lunch, you might find yourself wanting to stay all day.

• Hippie Hole
• Location: Little River Canyon Rim Pkwy, Fort Payne, AL 35967

Don’t forget to protect your skin against harmful UV rays with expert tips from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama.

Water safety tips

Before you jump in the water, it’s always good to go over safety tips to keep you and your friends and family safe. Keep reading to find out from Dr. Beverly, Medical Director at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama and a former emergency medicine physician what you need to know to stay safe.

1. Stay Alert

Dr. Beverly stressed the importance of staying alert while near water, because drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1-4. If you are swimming this summer with young children, make sure to have eyes on them at all times. Water currents can be unpredictable so he recommend always having someone else in the water with you.

“You have to watch children consistently when they are around water. Always use a buddy system. Don’t swim alone.”

Dr. Beverly, Medical Director, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama

2. Be aware of potential injuries

Always jump into water, especially unknown water, feet first. Spinal cord injuries are very serious and can be a lifelong event. Avoid diving when possible and know the risks associated before jumping.

3. Wear a life jacket

Dr. Beverly encouraged people to always have a lifejacket with them and to wear it. He shared that a life jacket you are not wearing is not protecting you.

Don’t forget while you are having fun in the sun to stay hydrated. Dr. Beverly explained that the fluids you lose through sweating and water vapor needs to be replaced and that you are always losing more water than you think. Pack extra water to keep yourself and people around you hydrated.

Stay connected with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama on Facebook and Instagram and explore their website for the most up-to-date health and wellness advice.

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