Because the fountain pump can drown you it is illegal to swim in Lake Eola. The electric pump that powers the fountain creates 3,000 pounds of force which could easily pull you under. The water shoots an estimated 60 feet into the air. Swimming is a misdemeanor which will at the minimum get you some unwanted attention.
Lake Eola seems relatively clear at first glance. However it certainly has an emerald green tint and the lake bottom looks, well disgusting. Leave the swimming to the swans which get to swim at their own risk. You can emulate them for 30 minutes by getting with a friend and renting a swan boat. These are paddle boats and you can even take them close to the the fountain. It may be a bad idea if you wish to stay dry. This is the closest thing to authorized swimming.
The best way to swim in downtown Orlando is to buy a condo with pool access. Just a couple of miles from Lake Eola you can take out a wave runner or jet ski but I believe the boat launches I know of are privately owned. Definitely go the condo route. Beautiful clear water is waiting on you after you hot stroll around Lake Eola in downtown Orlando.
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