SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/scout-turbid-water-test

Safe Swim Defense calls water turbid when a swimmer treading water can't see what?

Their own feet. No diving or underwater swimming then.

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  1. The shore
  2. The bottom of the lake
  3. Their own feet ✔

Why: If you're treading water and can't see your feet, the water is turbid. Underwater swimming and diving are not allowed in turbid water.

Huh, didn't know that: The maximum water depth for a turbid swim area is 8 feet, compared with 12 feet in clear water.

The dad joke
Why was the lake so muddy? It had a lot on its mind and couldn't clear it.
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References

Answer: Their own feet. If you're treading water and can't see your feet, the water is turbid. Underwater swimming and diving are not allowed in turbid water.

  1. Aquatics Supervision, Scouting America filestore.scouting.org/filestore/Outdoor%20Program/Aquatics/pdf/Aquatics_34346.pdf
    Turbid water exists when a swimmer treading water cannot see their feet.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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Test yourself in the game

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