People ask us all the time: can you swim in the Chesapeake Bay? Yes, many people do. Here is how to do it with care.

Quick answer: Can you swim in the Chesapeake Bay? Yes, at public beaches. Maryland’s beach season runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and local health departments test beach water for bacteria. Swimming in natural water is never free of risk. Skip a swim after storms, and keep open cuts out of the water because of Vibrio bacteria.

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How Maryland Checks the Water

Maryland’s Beaches Program works with local health departments. They test beach water for bacteria such as E. coli and Enterococci. The beach season is Memorial Day to Labor Day.[1]

When to Skip a Swim

Water quality can get worse after storms, when rain washes waste and trash into the water.[1] Maryland says swimming in natural water is never risk free.[1]

Cuts and Vibrio

Vibrio bacteria live naturally in the Bay. They can infect open wounds while you swim, wade or fish. They are most common in summer and early fall, when the water is warm.[1]

Pick a Guarded Beach

At Sandy Point State Park, lifeguards work from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Memorial Day to Labor Day. Swim in marked areas only.[2]

Water Temperature

In summer the Bay can reach 84°F.[3]

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to swim in the Chesapeake Bay? At public beaches, with care; Maryland tests beach water during the season, but no natural water is risk free.

When is swimming season on the Chesapeake Bay? Maryland’s beach season is Memorial Day to Labor Day.

What is Vibrio? A bacteria that lives naturally in the Bay and can infect open wounds, mostly in warm months.

References

Find a beach on our Chesapeake Bay map.