Aramark No Swimming Policy

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BartsPlace

BartsPlace

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If you're the contact on a slip lease, you received an email about heightened enforcement of the NO SWIMMING policy within Lake Powell Marinas. I only repost the info here in the event you missed it - or your ownership group didn't pass it along to you. Failure to comply could apparently cost you the use of your slip.

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Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas
Moorage, Compliance & Collections Office
P.O. Box 1926
Page, Az 86040

6/6/2025

Re: Strict Enforcement of No Swimming Policy

Please be advised that beginning 6/6/2025 there will be a strict enforcement of the “No Swimming Policy”! Any individuals found swimming in the Marina will be given one verbal warning. If at any time after that notice was given, you or your guest are swimming anywhere within LPRMs Marinas the owners & vessel will be issued an immediate eviction notice.

We understand the desire to enjoy the water, but for the safety of all guests, staff, and boaters, swimming is strictly prohibited in all marina and harbor areas. Designated swimming areas exist outside the marina and must be used exclusively.

This action is necessary due to continued violations of established safety regulations and marina policies. Swimming within the marina is a direct violation of both Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas policies and the National Park Service regulations, which are clearly outlined in all contracts and the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Superintendent’s Compendium.

Additionally, we have made numerous efforts to educate and inform all guests and boat owners about the serious dangers associated with swimming in the Marina, including heavy boat traffic, electrical hazards and environmental risks.

Key Regulations Prohibiting Swimming Include:

Moorage, Dockage, Storage Policies & Procedures

3. Behavior or owner, occupants, passengers and guest:

(e) no swimming, diving, fishing or water sports: These activities are not permitted within the marina or harbor area for obvious safety reasons.

Moorage, Dockage, and Storage Agreement:

14. Compliance Owner agrees to comply with all NPS regulations and LPRM’s policies, regulations and procedures and all other laws, rules and regulations applicable to OWNER’s use of the SPACE.

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Superintendent’s Compendium

3.16 swimming: areas designated as closed

Swimming is permitted except within: Harbors and mooring areas

We appreciate your cooperation in respecting these rules and helping us maintain a safe environment for everyone.
 
I remember as a kid the strictly enforced no swimming at Rainbow bridge rule. We came back from the hike and were just dying of the heat, couldn’t cast off and go swim because the adults weren’t there yet. Thankfully a dad from another boat got into a yelling match with the parkie about over enthusiastic enforcement and we dipped our selves in off the back of the boat while he was busy.
 
Mildog said:
NO Swimming, I totally get it !! Very Dangerous, stray voltage possible, carbon monoxide getting run over by boats etc. someone’s electrocuted years back I believe at bullfrog?? But slip leasers should be allowed to dangle a line overboard, for Pete’s sake!!
Click to expand...
VikingRanch said:
I remember as a kid the strictly enforced no swimming at Rainbow bridge rule. We came back from the hike and were just dying of the heat, couldn’t cast off and go swim because the adults weren’t there yet. Thankfully a dad from another boat got into a yelling match with the parkie about over enthusiastic enforcement and we dipped our selves in off the back of the boat while he was busy.
Click to expand...
VikingRanch said:
I remember as a kid the strictly enforced no swimming at Rainbow bridge rule. We came back from the hike and were just dying of the heat, couldn’t cast off and go swim because the adults weren’t there yet. Thankfully a dad from another boat got into a yelling match with the parkie about over enthusiastic enforcement and we dipped our selves in off the back of the boat while he was busy.
Click to expand...
BartsPlace said:
If you're the contact on a slip lease, you received an email about heightened enforcement of the NO SWIMMING policy within Lake Powell Marinas. I only repost the info here in the event you missed it - or your ownership group didn't pass it along to you. Failure to comply could apparently cost you the use of your slip.

===

Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas
Moorage, Compliance & Collections Office
P.O. Box 1926
Page, Az 86040

6/6/2025

Re: Strict Enforcement of No Swimming Policy

Please be advised that beginning 6/6/2025 there will be a strict enforcement of the “No Swimming Policy”! Any individuals found swimming in the Marina will be given one verbal warning. If at any time after that notice was given, you or your guest are swimming anywhere within LPRMs Marinas the owners & vessel will be issued an immediate eviction notice.

We understand the desire to enjoy the water, but for the safety of all guests, staff, and boaters, swimming is strictly prohibited in all marina and harbor areas. Designated swimming areas exist outside the marina and must be used exclusively.

This action is necessary due to continued violations of established safety regulations and marina policies. Swimming within the marina is a direct violation of both Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas policies and the National Park Service regulations, which are clearly outlined in all contracts and the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Superintendent’s Compendium.

Additionally, we have made numerous efforts to educate and inform all guests and boat owners about the serious dangers associated with swimming in the Marina, including heavy boat traffic, electrical hazards and environmental risks.

Key Regulations Prohibiting Swimming Include:

Moorage, Dockage, Storage Policies & Procedures

3. Behavior or owner, occupants, passengers and guest:

(e) no swimming, diving, fishing or water sports: These activities are not permitted within the marina or harbor area for obvious safety reasons.

Moorage, Dockage, and Storage Agreement:

14. Compliance Owner agrees to comply with all NPS regulations and LPRM’s policies, regulations and procedures and all other laws, rules and regulations applicable to OWNER’s use of the SPACE.

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Superintendent’s Compendium

3.16 swimming: areas designated as closed

Swimming is permitted except within: Harbors and mooring areas

We appreciate your cooperation in respecting these rules and helping us maintain a safe environment for everyone.
Click to expand...
I verified with the Aramark that swimming is also not allowed in the buoy fields ..tough to enforce but wanted to share
 
lakepowellnut said:
This has been an NPS regulation since 2023, but it’s not been enforced 100%. My guess is NPS put pressure on Aramark to enforce it. I completely get why people are upset, but it seems like anger is being directed at the wrong organization.
Click to expand...
How is Aramark enforcing this. The threat to be kicked out of the slip?

This will be an NPS enforcement. And an easy one as one of the most frequently patrolled areas of the land is NPS walking the docks. I remember a few years back them doing this as well.

You know what would make the docks more safe than this? Actually investing in the marinas to make sure the electrical systems are safe.
 
Ryan said:
How is Aramark enforcing this. The threat to be kicked out of the slip?

This will be an NPS enforcement. And an easy one as one of the most frequently patrolled areas of the land is NPS walking the docks. I remember a few years back them doing this as well.

You know what would make the docks more safe than this? Actually investing in the marinas to make sure the electrical systems are safe.
Click to expand...
While I don’t agree with their delivery or consequences for not following the rules, I believe the intent is to keep people safe. Part of my career has been spent in a high risk industry and unfortunately, when people don’t follow the rules that are supposed to keep people safe, accidents happen. The downside to it all is legal defensibility and both NPS and Aramark are definitely covering their hiney’s.
 
lakepowellnut said:
While I don’t agree with their delivery or consequences for not following the rules, I believe the intent is to keep people safe. Part of my career has been spent in a high risk industry and unfortunately, when people don’t follow the rules that are supposed to keep people safe, accidents happen. The downside to it all is legal defensibility and both NPS and Aramark are definitely covering their hiney’s.
Click to expand...
Appreciate the perspective. I also work in an industry that frequently deals with trauma.

I am a big proponent of critical thinking. So I ask how many deaths are we talking about? What I’ve heard is there was one death at Bullfrog some years back (which I don’t remember but maybe someone else does). So one death out of how many people that swam in the marina.

To look at it another way, how many people have died in that same time traveling to/from the lake? Certainly more than one. Does something need to be done to reduce/eliminate those deaths? You know if we made the speed limit 5 MPH we’d have no highway deaths. But is that reasonable?

You could also eliminate deaths at the lake if you eliminated access to it. Certainly no one here would support that.

For the record, I don’t remember the last time we swam in the
Slips. But I can see reasons to do it. And I don’t think it’s so dangerous that we need to be protected from ourselves.
 
For the record, I don’t remember the last time we swam in the
Slips. But I can see reasons to do it. And I don’t think it’s so dangerous that we need to be protected from ourselves.
Click to expand...
I recall one time when our Black water tank was corroded and I needed to remove it. it was July, and I was working in the engine bay to remove the tank. Hmm Black water tank corroded, July day, engine bay. just imagine how sweaty and dirty I was. Finally got the tank pulled and placed into one of the black carts to take to the truck so I had a model for the Stainless steel welder to copy. That lake water off the back of the boat never felt so good.
Word of advice: be careful what you put in those black carts, You never know what the last guy hauled in it... yes i sprayed it out, but still:eek:
 
Ryan said:
Appreciate the perspective. I also work in an industry that frequently deals with trauma.

I am a big proponent of critical thinking. So I ask how many deaths are we talking about? What I’ve heard is there was one death at Bullfrog some years back (which I don’t remember but maybe someone else does). So one death out of how many people that swam in the marina.

To look at it another way, how many people have died in that same time traveling to/from the lake? Certainly more than one. Does something need to be done to reduce/eliminate those deaths? You know if we made the speed limit 5 MPH we’d have no highway deaths. But is that reasonable?

You could also eliminate deaths at the lake if you eliminated access to it. Certainly no one here would support that.

For the record, I don’t remember the last time we swam in the
Slips. But I can see reasons to do it. And I don’t think it’s so dangerous that we need to be protected from ourselves.
Click to expand...

Your response is absolutely spot-on! This seems to be the way Americans like to operate, maybe given the litigious nature of our culture. Still, it is total overkill. Your sentiments are seconded with gusto.
 
My guess is if folks just took a quick dip to cool off, things would’ve remained chill.

When people started setting up 20’ long swim mats and huge inflatable floating islands like private beaches, extending out into the navigation lanes, it became an issue.

That’s usually how good things come to an end.
 
Spot on had a family renting a slip short term put out one of those floaty Matts in an empty slip next to theirs had kids and family constantly jumping in on and around it. Not good. Another time at 12 midnight a boatload of kids started jumping off back of houseboat and top deck as well as slide, with of course the usual screams yells and assorted teenage banter, not safe not a single adult in sight until some stiff language directed at the kids. Finally an adult on the boat, herded the kids inside! My usually quiet and polite wife lit into them with some choice words more appropriate for a sailor 😜. Then it got quiet really fast with 4 or 5 thank you for doing that, from other neighboring boats! No very appropriate behavior for one , but not safe smart either! Total darkness kids jumping on around each other, swimming no life jackets!! It’s all good fun till someone drowns!
 
Mildog said:
NO Swimming, I totally get it !! Very Dangerous, stray voltage possible, carbon monoxide getting run over by boats etc. someone’s electrocuted years back I believe at bullfrog?? But slip leasers should be allowed to dangle a line overboard, for Pete’s sake!!
Click to expand...
You can fish off your houseboat, only the docks are non-fishing.
We can thank the group who left guts and anchovies all over the dock at Halls for the no fishing off docks rule. People were fishing by the offices at Bullfrog docks a few years ago and were leaving a mess. After warnings it got better so someone needs to educate the fisher persons at Halls.
I believe if those big mats and stuff like that had not been used there would never have been an enforcement.
 
Ryan said:
Appreciate the perspective. I also work in an industry that frequently deals with trauma.

I am a big proponent of critical thinking. So I ask how many deaths are we talking about? What I’ve heard is there was one death at Bullfrog some years back (which I don’t remember but maybe someone else does). So one death out of how many people that swam in the marina.
Click to expand...
There has been more than one death at Bullfrog. One recent incident included a man who jumped into the water at night. An adjacent houseboat had not been plugged into the shore power properly and electricity was conducted into the water. When he jumped in, he was electrocuted. Another in his party went to climb in and rescue him but they sensed the voltage when they put a foot in, sparing their life. (Electrical shock killed man who jumped into Lake Powell, lawsuit says).

Another happened at Wahweap and was a man who jumped into the water and was tangled up in the underwater mooring lines (Colorado City man pronounced dead after failing to resurface in Lake Powell)

For some unknown reason, these aren't in the Lake Powell Incident Report. Others I found are here, though some appear to be "near" the marina, but are likely not in the marina:

Wednesday, August 20, 2014
Glen Canyon NRA
Teenager's Body Recovered From Lake Powell

Park dispatch received a 911 call reporting a missing swimmer near Bullfrog Marina around mid-afternoon on Thursday, August 14th. Rangers immediately began a boat and air search of the area, continuing until it became dark. They resumed their efforts the next morning, joined by a park dive team. The body of the 19-year-old, a Mexican national living in the Salt Lake City area, was recovered late that morning. He is presumed to have drowned. The incident was jointly investigated by the National Park Service and Kane County Sheriff's Office.

Thursday, May 5, 2011
Glen Canyon NRA
Body Of Drowning Victim Recovered From Lake Powell

Park divers recovered the body of an apparent drowning victim near the Bullfrog Marina in Utah on the afternoon of April 28th. They found the 21-year-old in eleven feet of water, approximately 50 feet from shore. The victim was with a group of friends Wednesday night when the two non-motorized vessels they were in capsized. He was not wearing a life jacket. The investigation by the Kane County Sheriff's Office and the NPS is ongoing. [Max King, Public Affairs Officer]

Friday, August 18, 2006
Glen Canyon NRA
Concession Employee Dies After Near-Drowning Incident

A young man from Uzbekistan passed away on Saturday, August 12th, from complications resulting from a near-drowning incident that occurred on Lake Powell on July 21st. K.A., 23, was using a water trampoline near the Wahweap main launch ramp when he jumped into the water and began struggling. After K.A. went underwater, bystanders began diving down in an attempt to find him and pull him to shore. After being submerged for at least seven to ten minutes, he was found by a Dutch visitor and brought to shore, where others began performing CPR. Rangers responded and continued CPR. K.A. was flown by Classic Lifeguard helicopter to Page Hospital, then flown to Dixie Regional Medical Center in St. George, Utah. K.A. remained in the hospital in critical condition until his death. Although the trampoline was marked "Life Vest Required," K.A. was not wearing a life jacket at the time. He reportedly did not know how to swim. K.A. was working in a seasonal position for Aramark, the park concessioner, in the food and beverage department at Lake Powell Resort. This was the fourth fatality of the year at Glen Canyon. [Kevin Schneider, Public Affairs Specialist]

Wednesday, September 1, 1999
99-528 - Glen Canyon NRA (UT/AZ) - Drowning

Concession employee D.H., 47, was the victim of a fatal accident while welding at the Wahweap tour boat dock on the morning of August 27th. He was standing on an unstable raft adjacent to the dock while welding, and evidently was burned (burn marks were found above his sternal notch) and fell into the water and drowned. His body was recovered in 24 feet of water by fellow employees. Rangers responded and provided emergency medical support. He was declared dead at the scene on medical advice. The investigation is continuing. [Phil Hibbs, DR, Downlake District, GLCA, 8/30]

Tuesday, May 2, 1995
94-638 - Glen Canyon (Utah/Arizona) - Follow-up on Drowning

On November 12, 1994, B.L. was inspecting the hull of a houseboat moored at the Wahweap Marina with another diver when he told his companion that he was going to dive down and "touch the bottom of the lake", not realizing that the water is over 200 feet deep at that location. B.L. never resurfaced. On April 19th, his body was found by a small, remotely-operated submersible on loan from a private foundation and was raised to a depth where divers could safely retrieve it. Investigation into this incident continues and will be aided by recovery of the B.L.'s body and his diving equipment. [Tomie Lee, CR, GLCA, 5/1]

Wednesday, July 7, 1993
93-447 - Glen Canyon (Utah/Arizona) - Drowning

On the afternoon of July 3rd, J.S. of Bitter Springs, Arizona, an employee of ARA Leisure Services, dove into the water at the buoy field at Wahweap to retrieve his work boat, which was tied to a houseboat that he was repairing. J.S., who was wearing his trousers and shoes when he jumped in the water, swam about 30 yards before becoming fatigued and drowning. A search for his body was begun immediately despite winds up to 35 mph and four foot waves in the area. J.S.'s body was recovered in 26 feet of water that evening. Personnel from the park, Coconino County sheriff's office, Arizona Game and Fish and ARA Leisure Services participated in the recovery effort. [Phil Hibbs, GLCA, 7/6]

Friday, July 6, 1990
90-179 - Glen Canyon (Utah/Arizona) - Drowning

On July 4th, J.H., 27, of Shonto, Arizona, drowned while swimming near the Wahweap picnic area. J.H. raced a friend to a buoy about 75 yards off shore; on the return swim, he began having trouble about 15 yards from shore. J.H.'s friend swam to his assistance, but was unable to keep a grip on J.H. as he struggled to stay afloat. NPS divers recovered the body within the hour. CPR was attempted, and J.H. was flown by helicopter to Page, where he was pronounced dead. Alcohol was involved. (Telefaxed report from Larry Clark, CR, GLCA, 7/5).


Interestingly, there appear to be more fatalities from plane crashes at Lake Powell that drownings at the marina. However, they have better control over what happens at the marina and I know we have been talked to before about jumping in the water at the marina, particularly after the electrocution death. I am very much in favor of keeping people from swimming at the marinas, since I have more than once had to pull the houseboat into full reverse to stop it when someone slid off a slide or jumped off a roof right into the path of my houseboat as I came into the slips. I don't get the need to keep people from fishing off the docks though.
 
nzaugg said:
There has been more than one death at Bullfrog. One recent incident included a man who jumped into the water at night. An adjacent houseboat had not been plugged into the shore power properly and electricity was conducted into the water. When he jumped in, he was electrocuted. Another in his party went to climb in and rescue him but they sensed the voltage when they put a foot in, sparing their life. (Electrical shock killed man who jumped into Lake Powell, lawsuit says).

Another happened at Wahweap and was a man who jumped into the water and was tangled up in the underwater mooring lines (Colorado City man pronounced dead after failing to resurface in Lake Powell)

For some unknown reason, these aren't in the Lake Powell Incident Report. Others I found are here, though some appear to be "near" the marina, but are likely not in the marina:

Wednesday, August 20, 2014
Glen Canyon NRA
Teenager's Body Recovered From Lake Powell

Park dispatch received a 911 call reporting a missing swimmer near Bullfrog Marina around mid-afternoon on Thursday, August 14th. Rangers immediately began a boat and air search of the area, continuing until it became dark. They resumed their efforts the next morning, joined by a park dive team. The body of the 19-year-old, a Mexican national living in the Salt Lake City area, was recovered late that morning. He is presumed to have drowned. The incident was jointly investigated by the National Park Service and Kane County Sheriff's Office.

Thursday, May 5, 2011
Glen Canyon NRA
Body Of Drowning Victim Recovered From Lake Powell

Park divers recovered the body of an apparent drowning victim near the Bullfrog Marina in Utah on the afternoon of April 28th. They found the 21-year-old in eleven feet of water, approximately 50 feet from shore. The victim was with a group of friends Wednesday night when the two non-motorized vessels they were in capsized. He was not wearing a life jacket. The investigation by the Kane County Sheriff's Office and the NPS is ongoing. [Max King, Public Affairs Officer]

Friday, August 18, 2006
Glen Canyon NRA
Concession Employee Dies After Near-Drowning Incident

A young man from Uzbekistan passed away on Saturday, August 12th, from complications resulting from a near-drowning incident that occurred on Lake Powell on July 21st. K.A., 23, was using a water trampoline near the Wahweap main launch ramp when he jumped into the water and began struggling. After K.A. went underwater, bystanders began diving down in an attempt to find him and pull him to shore. After being submerged for at least seven to ten minutes, he was found by a Dutch visitor and brought to shore, where others began performing CPR. Rangers responded and continued CPR. K.A. was flown by Classic Lifeguard helicopter to Page Hospital, then flown to Dixie Regional Medical Center in St. George, Utah. K.A. remained in the hospital in critical condition until his death. Although the trampoline was marked "Life Vest Required," K.A. was not wearing a life jacket at the time. He reportedly did not know how to swim. K.A. was working in a seasonal position for Aramark, the park concessioner, in the food and beverage department at Lake Powell Resort. This was the fourth fatality of the year at Glen Canyon. [Kevin Schneider, Public Affairs Specialist]

Wednesday, September 1, 1999
99-528 - Glen Canyon NRA (UT/AZ) - Drowning

Concession employee D.H., 47, was the victim of a fatal accident while welding at the Wahweap tour boat dock on the morning of August 27th. He was standing on an unstable raft adjacent to the dock while welding, and evidently was burned (burn marks were found above his sternal notch) and fell into the water and drowned. His body was recovered in 24 feet of water by fellow employees. Rangers responded and provided emergency medical support. He was declared dead at the scene on medical advice. The investigation is continuing. [Phil Hibbs, DR, Downlake District, GLCA, 8/30]

Tuesday, May 2, 1995
94-638 - Glen Canyon (Utah/Arizona) - Follow-up on Drowning

On November 12, 1994, B.L. was inspecting the hull of a houseboat moored at the Wahweap Marina with another diver when he told his companion that he was going to dive down and "touch the bottom of the lake", not realizing that the water is over 200 feet deep at that location. B.L. never resurfaced. On April 19th, his body was found by a small, remotely-operated submersible on loan from a private foundation and was raised to a depth where divers could safely retrieve it. Investigation into this incident continues and will be aided by recovery of the B.L.'s body and his diving equipment. [Tomie Lee, CR, GLCA, 5/1]

Wednesday, July 7, 1993
93-447 - Glen Canyon (Utah/Arizona) - Drowning

On the afternoon of July 3rd, J.S. of Bitter Springs, Arizona, an employee of ARA Leisure Services, dove into the water at the buoy field at Wahweap to retrieve his work boat, which was tied to a houseboat that he was repairing. J.S., who was wearing his trousers and shoes when he jumped in the water, swam about 30 yards before becoming fatigued and drowning. A search for his body was begun immediately despite winds up to 35 mph and four foot waves in the area. J.S.'s body was recovered in 26 feet of water that evening. Personnel from the park, Coconino County sheriff's office, Arizona Game and Fish and ARA Leisure Services participated in the recovery effort. [Phil Hibbs, GLCA, 7/6]

Friday, July 6, 1990
90-179 - Glen Canyon (Utah/Arizona) - Drowning

On July 4th, J.H., 27, of Shonto, Arizona, drowned while swimming near the Wahweap picnic area. J.H. raced a friend to a buoy about 75 yards off shore; on the return swim, he began having trouble about 15 yards from shore. J.H.'s friend swam to his assistance, but was unable to keep a grip on J.H. as he struggled to stay afloat. NPS divers recovered the body within the hour. CPR was attempted, and J.H. was flown by helicopter to Page, where he was pronounced dead. Alcohol was involved. (Telefaxed report from Larry Clark, CR, GLCA, 7/5).


Interestingly, there appear to be more fatalities from plane crashes at Lake Powell that drownings at the marina. However, they have better control over what happens at the marina and I know we have been talked to before about jumping in the water at the marina, particularly after the electrocution death. I am very much in favor of keeping people from swimming at the marinas, since I have more than once had to pull the houseboat into full reverse to stop it when someone slid off a slide or jumped off a roof right into the path of my houseboat as I came into the slips. I don't get the need to keep people from fishing off the docks though.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the research but i still don’t feel it supports the ban.

So a couple (the electricity and getting caught in the cables) may be unique to the marina. All the others were run of the mill drownings and could have happened anywhere on the lake.

So obviously no swimming anywhere on the lake?

And I know this has been a rule for years. Same with no fishing off the docks. It just never was enforced.

Slip loss is a huge penalty. And I’m not sure how you would fairly enforce it on a multi owner boat.
 
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