Expanding the present designated swimming area. Open swimming at Lake Awosting. Reopening the Awosting Pool at the base of Awosting Falls, about one-quarter mile from the park entrance. According to Mage, statistics show most of the drowning in NYS occurs among young men under 25 years of age engaging in risky behavior. Deepwater swimmers tend to know their capacity.
Mage feels encouraged by the long-awaited meeting.
Although Julia Stokes did not promise us anything, we felt that she really listened to our ideas, and will convey them accurately to Commissioner Bernadette Castro. Up to now all we have heard is reasons why nothing can be done. This time we had some serious discussion of alternatives. The State Parks and Recreation Commission is currently supporting a bill in Albany that would help protect landowners from liability if they allow swimming on their property.