California Reservoir Could Open to Swimmers for First Time Following Governor Newsom's Bill Signature
California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Senate Bill 1253, removing a longstanding state restriction that could pave the way for Santa Margarita Lake in San Luis Obispo County to open for body-contact recreation, including swimming, for the first time. The law, which takes effect on January 1, 2027, creates a path for the county to allow such activities. However, county officials caution that swimming is unlikely to begin before summer 2027 at the earliest, as significant health, safety, water-quality, infrastructure, and operational requirements must first be addressed. The prospect of opening the lake to swimmers has generated mixed reactions, with some local residents and fishermen expressing concerns about potential impacts on the lake's ecosystem and its peaceful atmosphere. 
