Why can't I kayak/swim where ever I want?

I've been trying to figure out why only certain bodies of water allow non-powered boats. At first I thought that it had to do with possible contamination from other water sources, but then I realized that every time I go some where with my kayak, I ask if I need an inspection and they tell me that I don't. I've seen some fishing ponds where you can only have a belly boat. What is the difference? Besides not having a wildlife officer presence, what is the reason I can't put my kayak into any body of water that I can carry it into?

Along the same lines, what is the reason that you can't swim anywhere? Some places have a small swim beach, but it's so small it sucks. I understand the risk of getting run over by a power boat, but some bodies of water only allow non-powered watercraft. In those bodies of water, I can't understand why I can't just swim where ever I want. Does anyone know? I assume it's mostly arbitrary government regulation, but would love to know if there are other reasons.

Thanks.

I think some of the regulations have something to do with most of the reservoirs in the state being used for public water for various cities and counties. At least as far as the powered motors go. I guess they don’t want certain contaminants going in the water before it hits the treatment facilities.

Were you the guy in the blue kayak on Prospect lake today when we were doing laps with the ski boat? :-). That guy left when there 4 boats kicking up wakes.

Most of the 'no swimming' waters are pretty disgusting.

I attribute it to the fact that Colorado does a horrible job managing its parks, and its water. And mostly because it has been managed by the liberal state parks office which did such a shitty job they talked dickinpooper to combine it with my beloved division of wildlife that actually did stay in budget and do an overall good job. Now we are stuck with a combined park and wildlife that basically just took more of my hunting dollars to toss around and give to the lame ass park system. And because they are still in a budget shortage they want to up hunting license fees and sell more to out of state residents to make up for the parks shortcomings.....instead of cutting the fat.

That wasn't me. I swam at Chatfield yesterday without realizing that it wasn't allowed.

One of the places that I know is used for City water says you can have belly boats. I can't think of the difference between a belly busy and a kayak. Plus that place allows fishing and the shores are pretty littered up with junk from the fisherman.

I think at Barr Lake they told me that I didn't want to swim in that water for risk of ecoli if I drank enough water, but they couldn't stop me from falling in.

http://www.fryingpananglers.com/arch...ado-waters.htm

Invasive snails are major problem. Once they get into a lake or river, they can seriously screw up the entire ecosystem.

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Originally Posted by Mtneer

Invasive snails are major problem. Once they get into a lake or river, they can seriously screw up the entire ecosystem.

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I assumed that could be a reason, but if it were, why wouldn't they check paddle craft like they do boats?

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Originally Posted by ChickNorris

http://www.fryingpananglers.com/arch...ado-waters.htm

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This is interesting, but doesn't help with my concerns as much because I've never been on a river. I should have been more specific of bodies of water that the public has access to. The article is on topic though.