The Beach and Activites
Whether you are unwinding over dinner and drinks while watching the sunset, enjoying our scenic views, cruising our pristine waters, splashing at the beach, fishing or bird watching from our main lake of one of the many coves, Lake Swannanoa is a family-oriented association offering a little something for everyone.
Our sandy beach, The Swannanoa Beach Club, provides a safe and fun place for young children to swim and play. Our beach offers a large shallow swimming area, a large deepwater swimming area with a raft and a dock for fishing. If you are coming to the beach by boat, canoe, kayak or paddleboard there is plenty of room for you to “park”. Our beach also offers a covered picnic area and a small playground for the kids.
If you have any questions regarding the beach and boating use, please contact a member of the BOD. There are many facets to managing the beach – maintenance, activities, weeding program, safety, and security. There is usually a BOD member at the beach on a regular basis during the summer season to ensure that members have their beach tags and that visitors are entitled to use the lake facilities. The beach has undergone several major improvements over the past few years and more improvements are planned.
Beach Etiquette:
Beach tags and boat stickers are typically handed out in June. Members in good standing can use the beach or lake throughout the year. If you do not receive your tags and stickers, please contact our Treasurer to determine the reason for the delay. Remember, LSHA beach tags are only provided to members in good standing and they must be worn or be with you in any season when you are using the lake or beach. You may be asked to leave the lake if you do not have your badge with you. The BOD has authorized the township Police department to access LSHA property. Trespassing complaints will be signed and the individual(s) will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Please place your boat stickers on each of your watercraft. If additional stickers are needed, please contact a member of the BOD.
Without proper ID, you will be asked to leave the beach and water.
If you use the beach or lake area, please leave nothing but footprints and take nothing but pictures and memories when you leave. If you bring it in, please take it out. No glass is permitted on the beach. In order to avoid unwanted critters from visiting the beach, the least amount of refuse should be in the area. Children under the age of 12 are not allowed on the beach or lake without parental supervision at any time. Using balls, bats, or throwing any objects is not permitted.
To comply with NJ health codes, please keep dogs off the beach. Our sand should not be contaminated with animal urine or droppings. As per health codes, swimming diapers and clothing must be on children. Please review the LSHA Rules and Regulations so that you are aware of all of the requirements. Please comply with the LSHA Rules and Regulations that are posted at the beach.
If you are a member in good standing (dues, interest, fees, and assessments are up to date) and have not received your tags, please contact a member of the BOD.
Boating – For our boaters, no gas motors are permitted on the lake. Boaters can use small electric trolling motors, the wind, paddles or oars. All boats used on the lake and ponds owned by the association must have proper tags displayed on both sides. If you do not have a current tag, you will be asked to leave the water.
Fishing – Association members can fish year-round on Lake Swannanoa. We have lots of members who fish from shore, from their boats, and through the ice! LSHA endorses a “Catch and Release” policy.
Members must have a valid fishing license when fishing on Lake Swannanoa, it is required by law. Additional information can be found at the NJDEP Division of Fish & Wildlife.
There are many species of fish in our lake, if you are unsure of what you caught you check the NJ Fish ID Chart http://www.eregulations.com/newjersey/fishing/freshwater/fish-identification/
Free Fishing Days are held every year that coincide with “National Fishing and Boating Week”. During this event, anyone can fish NJ’s public waters without a license or trout stamp. All other rules and regulations remain in effect (size and catch limits and all safety precautions). Fishermen are advised that they must adhere to Lake Swannanoa’s rules and regulations.
Cold Water Safety:
Any water temperature below 70 Degrees Fahrenheit should be treated with caution. Lake Swannanoa is a year-round resource. As seasons change, so does the lake and its surroundings. Please be aware that warm weather does not always translate to warm water. Ice melts, water levels rise and fall, water temps change slowly. Please keep this is in mind early and late season when enjoying the lake.
Winter Season:
The winter season can be very fun on the lake, ice skating, hockey and ice fishing. It is a great time of year to enjoy the peace, tranquility, and beauty the lake offers. Back in the 70’s and 80’s there was an unorganized but active hockey season on the lake. Groups of kids (and even some adults) from the different sections of the lake would play pick-up games.