Editorial Policy

Policy updated:

Hidden Swimming Holes is a desk-researched directory of swimming locations and trip-planning guides. Listings have different levels of supporting documentation. Inclusion in the directory does not establish current swimming permission, safe conditions, or a firsthand visit by the editor.

How We Create Content

  • Official land-manager notices are the preferred sources for swimming permission, closures, fees, reservations, and access rules.
  • Geographic data, recreation references, and reader reports can support trip research, but do not override official restrictions.
  • A source check applies to the specific information identified with that source. Existing descriptions without supporting sources should be treated as details to confirm.
  • Only an explicitly identified firsthand report with a visit date should be read as evidence that a contributor visited the location.

Review and Updates

  • A source-check date records when the cited information was checked. It is not a site visit, water-quality test, or guarantee that the information remains current.
  • A page update date can reflect a text or data correction and does not mean every statement on the page was verified.
  • Coordinate-quality labels describe map precision; they do not establish legal access, parking availability, or swimming permission.
  • When a swimming prohibition is documented, the location can remain as a correction page while being excluded from swimming recommendations.
  • Check the managing agency's current notices and signs at the location before visiting. The directory does not provide live closure or water-quality monitoring.

Images and Illustrations

The site includes AI-generated editorial illustrations. These show general swimming settings or planning themes; they are not evidence of a named location's appearance, access, facilities, or current conditions. Treat an image as an illustration unless it is identified as a location photograph with a source or credit.

Corrections

Use the contact page to report an error. Include the listing name or URL, the incorrect detail, the date of your information, and an official source link or dated firsthand report if available. Please flag swimming prohibitions, closures, and incorrect access points clearly.