Which bottom characteristics are recommended for natural bathing areas?

• A. Rocky cliff faces
• B. Firm sand, small-sized gravel, or shale with no holes and no submerged obstructions
• C. Silty mud
• D. Coral and shells

Answer: (B)

A safe natural bathing bottom should be stable and walkable, giving a uniform surface that supports footing and reduces the chance of injury or entrapment. Firm sand, small-sized gravel, or shale provides that stability while avoiding large voids or hidden hazards. Importantly, there should be no holes or submerged obstructions, so swimmers aren’t suddenly stepping into a void or snagging a hidden object. Softer bottoms like silty mud are unstable and can trap feet, while coral and shells create sharp edges and hidden hazards, and rocky cliff faces refer to the sides, not the bottom.