Lake Bennett is situated in Central Arkansas, located in the Woolly Hollow State Park. Just north of the city of Conway, close to Greenbriar, this lake comes complete with a sandy beach. It is protected by a lifeguard between the Memorial Day and Labor Day holidays. Visitors to the State Park can rent a fishing boat, canoe, pedal boat, or kayak for more water sport fun.
Lake Ponder in the Crowley's Ridge State Park is clad with several swimming amenities such as a diving board, two water slides and even a shallow "kiddie" section for young swimmers. The Red Cross positions life guards for duty on Lake Ponder during Memorial Day and Labor Day. There is a small fee for all swimmers ages 2 and over. Part of the lake is separated for boating.
Lake Austell is located on Crowley's Ridge in Village Creek State Park. It is free to swim at Lake Austell's beach, and lifeguards are are on duty between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Swimming is not allowed from boats in the lake--only from the beach itself. If visitors prefer fishing to swimming, an abundance of bass, bream, catfish, and crappie is available.
Though Arkansas has only three beaches with a lifeguard on duty, there are other safe options for those swimming in the state. Several outdoor public swimming pools in cities around Arkansas are equipped with lifeguards. These pools can be found in Arkadelphia, Fayetteville, Fort Smith, Hot Springs, Jacksonville, Jonesboro, Little Rock, Mountain Home, North Little Rock and Rogers. For safe swimming, these pools are fairly accessible, as there are several locations, but there is usually an admission fee.
