Alligators in Charleston County: Is It Safe to Swim?

In the state of South Carolina, Charleston County is the largest county by land area and the third most populous. As the name suggests, the county includes the popular port city of Charleston, as well as several wildlife refuge areas and bodies of water like the Atlantic Ocean.

Visitors might be wondering if it’s safe to swim in the freshwater lakes and rivers in Charleston County, or if alligators might be a major concern. Here’s everything you need to know.

Where Is Charleston County?

Charleston County is located in the southeastern corner of the state. As the name suggests, the county includes the city of Charleston, as well as Isle of Palms, Folly Beach, and many towns.

Charleston County includes important bodies of water such as the Ashley, Kiawah, and Cooper Rivers. The county also borders the Atlantic Ocean. There are plenty of opportunities for swimming in Charleston County — both in the Atlantic Ocean and in freshwater rivers.

Water Safety Standards

If you’re wondering if it’s safe to swim in Charleston County the answer is a little more complicated than just a solid yes or no. Regardless of the alligator situation, swimming is not recommended in some of the area’s lakes and rivers due to the quality of the water.

For example, Swim Guide states that the lower Ashley River (below the Charleston Memorial Bridges and the James Island Connector) currently meets water quality standards. The Ashley River also flows by Brittlebank Park, where, according to a recent sample, the water failed to meet quality standards.

Keeping an eye on water quality updates in Charleston County lakes and rivers is an important way to stay safe and healthy. Individuals who swim in water that fails to meet quality standards risk getting sick, contracting infections, or coming down with gastroenteritis.

Are There Alligators in Charleston County?

There are absolutely alligators in Charleston County, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any spots that are safe for swimming. In fact, several rivers boast popular spots for swimming, fishing, kayaking, and boating.

Parts of the Cooper River and the Ashley River make up the route of the annual “Swim Around Charleston” — a 12.5-mile open water swim in the area’s waterways and harbor.

Charleston County is also home to the Lowcountry Splash, a 2.4-mile open water swim that takes place in the Charleston Harbor. The course takes participants along the Mount Pleasant Shoreline and under the Cooper River Bridge. In 2013, a 6-mile open swim option was added, which includes parts of the Wando River.

Kiawah Island offers oceanfront beaches, but swimming in the area’s ponds is not a good idea. The island’s official website warns: “Kiawah Island is home to a very healthy population of American alligators that can be seen in almost all of the 183 brackish and freshwater ponds interspersed throughout the island.”

The site also tells visitors to “never swim or allow pets to swim in any of the island ponds, and stay away from pond edges. Alligators may be present.”

Alligator Safety Tips

In general, alligators prefer to stay away from areas where lots of humans gather. However, it’s possible to run into gators throughout Charleston County. Here are some alligator safety tips everyone should follow:

• Pay attention to all posted signs and warnings. Some bodies of water may be safe for swimming in some areas, but unsafe in others. Do not swim outside of posted swimming areas.
• Leave alligators alone. Do not approach them and maintain a distance of at least 60 feet.
• Do not feed alligators. In some places, feeding alligators results in criminal charges and hefty fines.
• Only swim during daylight hours.
• Keep children close and do not allow them to play unattended near water.
• Keep pets on a leash and do not allow them to swim in water where alligators are known to live.

Saltwater Swimming in Charleston County

Charleston County is home to several beautiful beaches offering opportunities for visitors to take a dip in the ocean. One of the best is Folly Beach, a city on Folly Island that offers miles of wide beaches and opportunities for swimming in the Atlantic Ocean.

While alligators are freshwater creatures, it isn’t impossible for them to stray into salt water from time to time. Furthermore, those swimming in the ocean in Charleston County should be on the lookout for marine life such as sharks, as well as dangerous rip currents.