Why Lakes Are Better Than the Ocean

by Brooklyn Weber: Opinion Editor

Photos by: Kathy Gustad: Brightonian Adviser

Standley Lake, Colorado

Pacific Ocean: San Francisco, California

Standley Lake, Colorado

Pacific Ocean, Maui, Hawaii

With summer right around the corner comes tropical vacations, camping trips, and the most popular activity of the season, swimming. Whether a lake or in the ocean, cooling off in the water is something to take advantage of while the weather is still hot. However, when it comes to the water itself, many people have specific preferences. In Colorado, there are certainly not any oceans close by, which makes them so appealing; they are a change of scenery from the nearer lakes. But otherwise, why do so many people prefer the ocean over lakes? I, myself, would always pick to swim in a lake if given the choice between the two. 

The ocean is such a vast and open space, with so many aspects of it that are still left undiscovered, and while it is unlikely that some monster of a fish would appear out of nowhere and attack, the diverse amount of creatures around me at all times is overwhelming. I will say, I find fish terrifying. There are creatures in the sand, under rocks and shells, and sometimes in plain sight. That feeling of uncertainty is definitely not enjoyable, but when people suggest I snorkel to give me an idea of what my surroundings look like, it is even more worrisome. I would rather not be near any potentially harmful creatures at all. Lakes, on the other hand, have many types of fish, but most likely don’t have jellyfish that can sting me or sharks that can make me the star of a real-life Jaws movie.

Despite the murkiness of lake water, it is often warmer than being in the ocean. Plus, a little fish waste doesn’t bother me as much as does salt water. Accidently swallowing a little lake water definitely brings a lot of bacteria into the body, and with too much, can come stomach issues. But in the ocean, it can be several times worse. Swallowing salt water feels like something scratching my throat on the way down—getting it in the eyes hurts, as well, and it is known to cause vomiting with only small amounts ingested. 

Occasionally, bad weather will come and cause unusual wave patterns and tides. But with lakes never come tsunamis or strong and dangerous waves. While wind can cause powerful water and waves, oceans can create waves much larger. Tsunamis definitely are rare occurrences, but they only show how powerful and destructive the ocean can be. With bad weather, strong ocean waves can pull someone in, and keep them floating farther and farther away in an endless cycle, or at least until the waves die down.

All large bodies of water have the potential to become dangerous, but with lakes, it is always more comfortable knowing that there isn’t a jellyfish approaching my leg or a wave about to pull me under. Nonetheless, oceans do take the win for the better beaches.