The Union Reservoir Swim Beach will open for the season on Monday, July 28 after safety-related delays caused by low water levels and staffing shortages, according to the City of Longmont. The swim beach was originally expected to open on Memorial Day weekend.
“Low water levels have exposed parts of the old lakebed that still contain glass, fishing gear, and other debris from the reservoir’s past,” the city said in May, when the delay was originally announced. “Rangers have cleared the visible shoreline, but we can’t confirm that submerged areas are safe yet.”
After July 28, the beach will remain open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday, through August 12. Then, from August 16 through August 31, the beach will be open on Saturdays and Sundays only from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The beach will also be open on September 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The city said that Union Reservoir began 2025 at half water capacity. As water levels began to reach viable levels, lifeguard-related staffing shortages still prevented an immediate opening.
On Sunday, August 10, the swim beach and all of Union Reservoir will open at 1 p.m. following a triathlon.
“We’re so pleased to open the beach this week,” said Longmont Recreation Area Supervisor Sara Taylor. “While the delayed opening created staffing challenges as lifeguards found other summer work, staff really stepped up to train in new hires and resolve the problem quickly.”
