But those bodies of water can be dangerous.
There have already been 13 drownings in Tulare County this year, including the latest incident at Lake Success that killed 26-year-old Alvaro Sanchez.
Although rivers and lakes may look peaceful and calm, the unpredictable waters and currents beneath the surface can be very dangerous, even for experienced swimmers.
The Tulare County Sheriff's boating unit describes local bodies of water as unpredictable and possibly dangerous.
"Safety is always the key out on the water, and just knowing where your people are at all times if you are in a large group. Keep eyes on them, designate certain people to watch, especially the children," says TCSO Deputy Daniel Castillo, who patrols areas like Lake Kaweah.
He says the lake has been busy on weekends with boat rentals and reminds people it is the law to have a fitted life jacket for each person on the boat.
Plus, wearing one could save your life.
"We get a lot of calls for people who are on the other side of the lake, and they can't swim back, or somebody sees someone in the water who looks like they are struggling. They may be fatigued, so we have to go over there, save them, put them on the boat, and take them back to the shoreline," mentions Deputy Castillo.
River currents and local lakes have claimed the lives of multiple people this year.
TCSO says there have been 13 drownings so far this summer.
Locals are reminded of the importance of water safety and swimming lessons.
"It's very important that once your child is like two years of age, they are involved in a swimming class," explains Dr. Nadeem Mousa, a Primary Care Pediatrician at Adventist Health Pediatrics Clinic in Reedley. He continues, "Unfortunately, drowning is one of the leading causes of death in children, especially under 5 years of age."
Deputies and doctors also remind people to stay hydrated if they are spending time out on the water and to never leave children unattended.
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