With its natural springs and rivers, man-made lakes, municipal pools, state parks and water theme parks, Central Texas offers thousands of ways for residents and visitors to cool off during the spring and summer.

Here are a few places to splish and splash along the Colorado River.

Colorado Bend State Park: San Saba County

In addition to swimming, fishing, tubing and canoeing along six miles of Colorado River frontage, this 5,000-acre park has two spring-fed creeks that form popular swimming holes. Operated by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. More info: www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/colorado_bend/.

Black Rock Park: Lake Buchanan

A scenic beach along the shore of the 25-acre park offers water access for energetic swimmers and leisurely waders. LCRA operates this park. More info: www.lcra.org/parks/developed_parks/black_rock.html

Also, see the July 2006 Currents article: www.lcra.org/newsletter/currents/july06/getaway.html.

 Devil’s Water Hole: Inks Lake State Park

Located on the northeast corner of Inks Lake, Devil’s Water Hole has been described as one of the most scenic swimming holes in the state. It’s operated by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. More info: www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/inks/

Granite Beach: Lake LBJ

Granite Beach Recreation Area has a boat ramp on the south shore of Lake LBJ. Next door is Granite Beach, which has a boat club and marina, cabins, a restaurant, water park and sail and ski rentals. LCRA leases the property to private operators. More info: www.granitebeach.com/.

Pace Bend Park: Lake Travis

With more than 1,300 acres and nine miles of shoreline this park is known for its cliffs, overhangs and coves on the west side of the four-mile-long peninsula. Owned by LCRA and operated by Travis County. More info: www.co.travis.tx.us/tnr/parks/pace_bend.asp

Deep Eddy: Town Lake
This spring-fed pool near Town Lake in Austin is popular for lap swimming and wading. It’s reportedly the state's oldest swimming pool, constructed in 1916. More info:

www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/pools_schedule.htm#DeepEddy

austin.about.com/cs/photogallery/l/blvttldeepeddy.htm

South Shore Park: Lake Bastrop

There is a nice beach in the day-use area with a playground, boat ramp, volleyball court and hiking trail. LCRA operates this park. More info: www.lcra.org/parks/developed_parks/southshore.html

 Find more swimmin’ holes in Central Texas

• Austin Chronicle’s 101 swimming holes
• Splash Across Texas: The definitive guide to swimming in Central Texas, by Chandra Moira Beal
• Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Top Ten

Swim safely: Remember, Nobody’s Waterproof

Swimming at most of these swimming holes is at your own risk and there are no lifeguards on duty. Always use common sense and obey posted rules. Get tips for playing it safe on the water at nobodyswaterproof.com/.

Black Rock Park

Inks Lake

Remember to have fun in the water this summer and Noboby's Waterproof!