It’s heating up across New Mexico, but residents shouldn’t jump into the Rio Grande to cool off. Swimming and even walking in the Rio Grande is dangerous, according to emergency officials. “You never know how fast the river is really flowing,” said Melissa Romero of the Albuquerque Fire Department.
Do people swim in the Rio Grande river?
Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated. The mayor of Laredo, Texas, says it’s quite common for people to try and swim across the Rio Grande to try and enter the United States illegally. On Monday, Border Report crews spotted – and recorded video of – people swimming across the river.
Can you swim in the Rio Grande river in Albuquerque?
Swimming in the Rio Grande is highly discouraged. The presence of sunken debris poses a risk of injuries and being caught and dragged under the water by the current. Both departments have responded to injured boaters this year, and performed body recoveries of people in years past.
Can you swim in New Mexico lakes?
It’s perfect for swimming and diving so don’t forget your gear. Lea Lake is the only lake in the Bottomless Lakes State Park where swimming is permitted and is one of the most beautiful underappreciated lakes in New Mexico.
Can you swim in Radium Springs NM?
One of New Mexico’s hidden gems, this state park is a peaceful haven and swimming is permitted from the North Day Use Area. Have you splashed around in the Rio Grande, yet? The park is located at 12712 State Park Road in Radium Springs.
Is there alligators in the Rio Grande river?
Whatever their origins, the RGV has harbored a relatively small population of alligators along the coast at least since the 1970’s. Periodic surveys on refuge lands have yielded as many a 110, but their numbers fluctuate depending on drought. They do occasionally appear in the bay and Arroyo Colorado.
How dirty is the Rio Grande?
Along with its reduced and regulated flow, the river frequently contains high levels of salts and bacteria, as well as agricultural and industrial chemicals. Such contamination affects a wide variety of species.
Is the Rio Grande clean?
Despite Efforts, The Rio Grande Is One Dirty Border Since Mexico and the U.S. signed the North American Free Trade Agreement 20 years ago, the two countries have worked to clean up the waterway.
What is the prettiest lake in New Mexico?
The Best Lakes in New Mexico
- Best for swimming: Abiquiu Lake.
- Best for fishing: Ute Reservoir.
- Most beautiful lake: Lake Katherine.
Can you float the Rio Grande?
Floating the Rio Grande
Trips vary from easy day floats to challenging multi-day expeditions. Floating the Rio Grande can take you through miles of canyons up to 1,500 feet deep, where the sunlight may reach the bottom only briefly on winter days.
Where can I swim in Rio Grande near Santa Fe?
Where to Get Wet in Northern New Mexico
- Abiquiú Lake. Santa Fe TV.
- Rio Grande. Santa Fe TV.
- Jemez Falls. High in the Jemez Mountains of the Santa Fe National Forest, 57 miles from Santa Fe, the dramatic Jemez Falls are a popular spot in summer.
- Santa Cruz Lake.
- Rio Chama.
- Nambe Falls.
Can you swim in the Santa Fe River?
On the Santa Fe River in High Springs, Ginnie Springs is one of the clearest springs in Florida. The 72-degree water is perfect for river tubing, swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving.
What is the deepest lake in New Mexico?
Established in 1933, it was the first state park in New Mexico. It takes its name from nine small, deep lakes located along the eastern escarpment of the Pecos River valley.
| Bottomless Lakes State Park | |
|---|---|
| Elevation | 3,500 ft (1,100 m) |
| Established | 1933 |
| Governing body | New Mexico State Parks Division |
Can you swim in Jemez Falls?
The Jemez Falls Area
A small pool is located above Jemez Falls and is a favorite swimming spot. From here, you may continue to McCauley Hot Springs. Because the temperature in the pools is generally moderate rather than scorching, it’s still fun to swim in them during the summer.
Why is Radium Springs NM called that?
The small town of Radium Springs is located on NM 185 west of the Rio Grande and across from Fort Selden State Monument and the ruins of a 19th-century army outpost Fort Selden. The community owes its name to the free-slowing mineral hot springs that were often frequented by soldiers from nearby Fort Selden.
What is Radium Springs known for?
Radium Springs is best known as the location of one of the “Seven Natural Wonders of Georgia”: the largest natural spring in the state. The deep blue waters of Radium Springs flow at 70,000 gallons (265,000 liters) per minute and empty into the Flint River. There is also an extensive underwater cavern system.
Are there crocodiles in New Mexico?
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Unlabeled fossils — a jawbone, some teeth and armored plates — have been identified as those of a 30-foot-long crocodile, the largest that ever lived in prehistoric New Mexico.
Why are there no alligators in the Rio Grande?
Historically, alligators ranged as far west as Laredo at the 100th meridian on the Rio Grande, hundreds of miles from Eagle Pass, but were reduced because of hunting, reduced levels of water, and pollution. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife: “The American alligator is the only crocodilian native to Texas.”
Is the Rio Grande river saltwater?
At the river’s headwaters, the water is “pristine,” Ganjegunte said. By the time the river reaches El Paso, the salinity of the water is above 1,000 parts per million. Water above 1,000 parts per million is no longer considered freshwater and, while still safe to drink, is above secondary drinking water standards.
Is the water in the Rio Grande Safe?
Health risks associated with contact with the water in the Rio Grande are mini- mal because E. coli is usually not harmful. However, water with high levels of E. coli may contain other disease-causing organisms, and ingestion of contami- nated water from any area should be avoided when swimming.
Why does the Rio Grande stink?
LAREDO — When the Rio Grande is swollen with rain, as it was recently in Laredo, it’s hard to tell that more than 5 million gallons of raw sewage spill into its waters every day. But kayak through the little creeks on the side of the river bordering Mexico, and the odor is unmistakable.