The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced the beach at Hinckley Reservoir Day Use Area in the town of Russia, Herkimer County, will be closed for swimming effective Friday, Aug. 22, due to unsafe swimming conditions caused by low water levels. The beach area will remain open for non-swimming activities such as picnicking and paddling while the closure is in effect.
This proactive decision is necessary to ensure public safety, as the low water levels may expose hazards, limit safe wading depth, and compromise lifeguard visibility and response capabilities.
The Hinckley Reservoir Day Use Area is located on the south shore of the 2,880-acre Hinckley Reservoir. The Reservoir is managed by the New York State Canal Corporation and is used to maintain water levels in the canal system and provide potable water to much of the Mohawk Valley. The water levels fluctuate seasonally, with the lowest water levels typically in August.
DEC remains committed to monitoring water level conditions and will issue updates regarding any changes to swimming access at the site.
For more information, visitors should contact the Hinckley Reservoir Day Use Area at (315) 826 3800 or visit the DEC website.
