After a chilly, wet spring and a schizo June and July, the muggy summer heat has settled in. Feel like it's time to dunk your haggard, sweaty carcass in some cool water? Yeah, me too.

If crowded pools aren't your thing, then you're probably itching for the nearest swimming hole. You know, those natural pools where kids frolic under shady hardwoods and swing from canvas ropes? It's too bad that safety and private property concerns have made most of these slippery oases a fading memory of times past, and the ones that remain are closely guarded secrets (I'm under strict orders not to divulge a few).

But swimming holes are still abundant in the Adirondacks and craggy gorges of the Finger Lakes, so you can always make a day trip out of it. The best swimming holes in New York can be found at the website swimmingholes.org/ny.html. This informal inventory was put together by two outdoorsmen trying to preserve a nostalgic legacy.

If you prefer to swim closer to home, then try one of Rochester's best outdoor venues. Note that all swimming spots are subject to weather and water quality, so call ahead.

Ontario Beach Park

Where: Park across from bathhouse at Roger Robach Community Center, 180 Beach Avenue

Hours: Daily 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Lifeguard on duty.

Fee: Free

Contact: 753-5887, monroecounty.gov/parks-ontariobeach.php

Located in the Charlotte neighborhood of the city, Ontario Beach Park is a spacious, urban park where visitors get a vibrant taste of the community in a casual atmosphere. The sandy beach provides great views of Lake Ontario. A buck buys you a ride on the park's signature feature, the 103-year-old Dentzel menagerie carousel. Other amenities include a long concrete pier, playground, volleyball courts, and boat launch. Like free music and movies? Check out Concerts by the Shore Wednesdays 6-9 p.m., or Movies at the Beach on Tuesday nights at sunset (visit monroecounty.gov for more information).

Durand-Eastman Beach

Where: 1250 Lakeshore Blvd, Lot A

Hours: Daily 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Lifeguard on duty.

Fee: Free

Contact: 753-5887, monroecounty.gov/parks-durandeastman.php

Managed by the City of Rochester, Durand-Eastman Beach is located within Monroe County's Durand-Eastman Park. The parklands stretch along 5,000 feet of Lake Ontario and feature a sandy beach, playgrounds, picnic shelters, porta-johns, and food vendors. Free summer swimming lessons available.

Hamlin Beach State Park

Where: 1 Camp Road, Hamlin (about 28 miles west of Rochester)

Swimming hours: Daily 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Lifeguard on duty.

Fee: $7 per vehicle

Contact: 964-2462, nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/info.asp?parkId=6

Hamlin Beach has clear water, sandy beaches, a playground, and numerous picnic areas. Visitors can swim, launch canoes and kayaks, fish for salmon and trout, or hike and bike on numerous trails. Many visitors come for the excellent bird watching and the environmental education center, located in the Yanty Creek Marsh area. Like to watch sailboats? The Hobie Cat regatta will be held here August 1-3.

Sodus Point Beach Park

Where: 7985 Wickham Blvd., Sodus Point (about 40 miles east of Rochester)

Swimming hours: Daily 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Lifeguard on duty.

Fee: Free

Contact: 315-946-5627

Located about 40 miles from Rochester, this nostalgic little town has great views of Sodus Bay and a right-sized beach for young kids. The beach has a bathhouse, playground, boat launch, and a snack bar. Everyone should tour the historic Lighthouse Museum at least once. Like music? On Sunday afternoons, the Lighthouse Concert Series hosts outdoor performances on museum grounds.

Fair Haven Beach State Park

Where: Route 104A, Fair Haven (about 58 miles east of Rochester)

Swimming hours: Daily 10 a.m.-8 p.m. (weather permitting). Lifeguard on duty.

Fee: $7 per vehicle

Contact: 315-947-5205, nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/info.asp?parkID=34

With gently rolling woodlands and high bluffs that rise above sandy beaches, Fair Haven Beach State Park is one of the most picturesque public lakefronts in upstate New York. The swimming is great, but you can also fish, hike, or rent canoes, kayaks, rowboats, or paddleboats. Makes a great day trip.

Stony Brook State Park

Where: 10820 Rt. 36 South, Dansville (about 56 miles south of Rochester)

Swimming hours: Daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Lifeguard on duty.

Fee: $7 per vehicle

Contact: 335-8111, nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/info.asp?parkID=102

Stony Brook cuts through a deep gorge and features three striking waterfalls. Visitors can swim in a semi-natural pool that was created by damming a small section of the stream while they enjoy the lush woodlands and rock formations. Amenities include two bathhouses and a concession stand.

Kershaw Park

Where: Canandaigua, off routes 5 and 20 (about 28 miles from Rochester)

Hours: Daily 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Lifeguard on duty.

Fee: $3 non-resident adults; children 6-18: $2; kids under 6: free

Contact: 396-5080, canandaigua.govoffice.com

Kershaw Park covers nine acres of land on the north shore of Canandaigua Lake. The small beach and roped-off swimming area make it perfect for small kids and sunbathing adults. The park also has a bathhouse, boat launch, public dock, and picnic pavilions.

Sandy Bottom Beach

Where: County Road 36 (West Lake Road), off Rt. 20A, Richmond (about 36 miles from Rochester)

Hours: Daily 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Lifeguard on duty.

Fee: Free

Contact: 229-2009, nyfalls.com/lakes/honeoye.html

Sandy Bottom Beach is located at the northwest end of Honeoye Lake and features a small, sandy beach with a roped-off swimming area. It's a good fit for small children and sunbathing adults. Park includes bathhouse, picnic pavilions, playground, floating dock, shuffleboard, and fishing. An easy hike along Sandy Bottom Nature Trail features views of Honeoye Lake outlet. Pack your lunch: the beach only has vending machines.