The Boulder Reservoir offers one of the largest seasonally lifeguard attended beaches in Colorado.
The swim area is CLOSED for the season, and will reopen on May 23, 2025 at 10 a.m.
Swim area hours will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily (with early closure at 5:30 p.m. on Thursdays).
Swimming is only permitted in the designated swim area while a lifeguard is on duty.
Open water swimming at the Boulder Reservoir is available through Boulder Aquatic Masters (BAM) and Stroke and Stride. Otherwise, per city code, no swimming is allowed outside the designated lifeguarded swim area.
This designated swimming area with rafts is the only location at the Boulder Reservoir where swimming is permitted, with the exception of lifeguarded open water swims and triathlons. Swim season is Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Water temperature: The minimum water temperature to open the swim area is 60°F for the shallow area and 64°F for the entire swim area to open. The temperature fluctuates throughout the season. For the most up-to-date temperature, please call 303-441-3461, and then press '0' for the attendant.
Hours: Swimming is only permitted during established swim area hours. The swim area is generally open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., except Thursdays when the swim area closes at 5:30 p.m. for weekly Stroke & Stride events.
The swim area and beach may close at any time due to weather or for other health/safety concerns.
Lifeguards: The swimming area and beach is staffed by American Red Cross waterfront certified lifeguards during designated swimming hours only. Swimming is only allowed when lifeguards are present and on duty, and only in the designated swimming area.
Facilities: There are restrooms, lockers, shower and changing facilities located on the south side of the Visitor Services Center.
First Aid: The first aid station is located at the lifeguard shack. Please approach a lifeguard not on surveillance duty for assistance, unless it is an emergency.
No swimming unless lifeguards are present and on duty.
No swimming anywhere outside the designated swim area.
Children under 13 must be supervised by an adult at all times. Children under 5 and/or non-swimming children must have an adult within arms reach at all times.
Personal flotation devices (PFDs) are not allowed in the deep swim area.
Inner tubes, body boards, and other flotation devices are not allowed in the deep swim area.
Test/Mark/Protect - Children under 13 must successfully complete a lifeguard administered swim test and wear a wrist band to enter the deep area. Tests are offered by a head lifeguard at the center lifeguard stand at the top of every other hour, if business allows. Test may be attempted once per day, and are valid for the duration of the season.
Diving is not allowed anywhere, including off rafts.
Any holes dug in the sand must be filled.
Alcohol is not permitted in the deep swim area.
Glass is prohibited in the entire park.
Weather at the Boulder Reservoir is unpredictable and can change rapidly, becoming dangerous to boaters, swimmers, and other visitors. Be aware of rapid cloud build-up, drop in temperature and sudden changes in wind direction or speed as these may signal the arrival of dangerous weather conditions. A link to the weather monitoring station will be posted here when available.
Weather Warning Flags: A flag is displayed at the lifeguard shack to indicate existing or imminent weather conditions, which are or may become dangerous.
If you are bringing a group of 25 or more, we ask that you make a reservation at least two weeks in advance. A swim reservation does not guarantee or reserve space or amenities; it simply provides us with a heads up to ensure adequate lifeguard staffing. Large groups without a swim reservation may be turned away.
