There are many excellent reasons to visit a beach in your area. Regardless of the activity – splashing in the waves, grilling on the beach, throwing the frisbee, having a picnic, going on walks, or simply getting a tan, beaches are a source to many different awesome activities.
Finding a beautiful swimming beach in Waterloo with lots of room for activities on the beach is not hard. If you need some help with searching for a fantastic beach near you, then find one with the list below. Enter a beach, a city, or a zip code to get started.
Beaches Near Waterloo
Most beaches in Waterloo, IA will be accessible to the public, however some are closed to the public. Be sure to check their site to see if you can go to the beach without breaking any rules. You should not be surprised if the beach you wish to visit is closed because of the time you get there, being closed on certain days, or seasonality.
If there has been lots of rain, blocked sewage drains, or stormwater pollution lately, it can hurt water quality levels. Make sure to check out the website of the beach for information regarding water quality notices.
Rules of the Beach
When you visit any beach in Waterloo, there are always guidelines that you should follow. Just about every beach will list the following guidelines:
- Any glass containers are prohibited on beaches.
- You should always be aware that you are swimming at your own risk, regardless if there’s a lifeguard on duty.
- Do not leave garbage on the beach – Take with you what you bring with you.
- Don’t try to visit the beach when it is not open.
- Do not go beyond the swim area.
- Always listen to the lifeguard on duty. If they tell you to do something, then you have to follow through.
Waterloo Beach Travel Tips
- Will the beach have lifeguards? Most large beaches in Waterloo will have a lifeguard around, however you should never count on a lifeguard being in attendance. While walking to the beach, look around to see if there are beach warning signs. Occasionally they list lifeguard hours.
- Always stay in the roped off swim area. If there is a designated swimming space it is likely dangerous to swim beyond that area. There could be dangerous objects under the water, be reserved for watercraft, or is not monitored by a lifeguard.
- Bring spare towels. Remember to take quite a few dry towels before going to the beach. This is even more necessary if you’re bringing little kids with you or if you are planning on getting in the water.
- Know that there are porta-potties. Bathroom details are likely the last thing on your mind before you plan your beach visit. But nobody wishes to be caught in a spot when you have to go to the restroom fast but you can’t find one nearby. If you cannot locate bathroom details on the website of the beach, you should plan on the fact that a public bathroom or facility is not open. Try to go to the bathroom prior to driving to the beach.
- Bring plenty of layers. It’s common knowledge that the weather in Waterloo often changes without warning. It is particularly important if you are wanting to go for a swim, so bring enough dry items like sweatshirts, blankets, windbreakers, and shirts.
- Never Litter. Do not contribute to the problem of garbage on the beach. If you take something to the beach, you are expected pick up your litter. Be sure to dispose of your litter in an appropriate waste or recycling receptacles.
- Protect your skin. Pack sunscreen that is waterproof if you’re considering getting wet. The sunscreen should be re-applied each time you leave the water for the sunscreen to work.
- Find some shade. If you suspect that locating a shady area could be hard to locate, or if you know that there likely won’t be many shady areas around, bring your own! Use a beach umbrella, shaded tent, or some sort of equipment that provides shade. It’s best to bring something that provides good ventilation.