Iowa DNR Advises Against Swimming at Four State Beaches

As the weather gets hotter, it's only natural to want to take a dip and cool off. But unfortunately, there are some Iowa beaches and bodies of water that you'll want to avoid as we get set for summer 2026.

Four Iowa Beaches Make the No Swim List

We Are Iowa reports that the Iowa Department of Natural Resources is recommending against swimming at four Iowa beaches. That is because tests done at those beaches have found unsafe levels of E.coli. State beaches that saw the limit exceeded include;

• Backbone Beach (Dundee, Delaware County)
• Beeds Lake Beach (Hampton, Franklin County)
• Bobwhite State Park (Allerton, Wayne County)
• Pine Lake South Beach (Eldora, Hardin County)

There are a number of county and city beaches that are closed, which you can view HERE.

What Happens If You Swim at These Locations?

We Are Iowa states that swimming in contaminated water can lead to diarrheal disease and can lead to skin, ear, and respiratory infections.

What Beaches Are Safe?

You can get an update from the Iowa DNR on beaches across the state of Iowa HERE. As of today, May 26th, beaches at George Wythe State Park in Waterloo, Pleasant Creek Park in Palo, and Lake McBride Beach are all safe to swim at.

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