A local resident is calling for a ban on swimming in canals in Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida, to protect manatees and ensure safety. The resident, who owns a house on the canal front to Kings Bay, expressed concerns about the congested areas and conflict between tourists, manatees, and residents on March 26, 2026.
The resident suggests that long-term protection of the manatees must have first priority, followed by the safety of children swimming or snorkeling in the Three Sisters manatee areas. They also propose reduced acceptable noise levels for canal homeowners who pay high property taxes and allowing profit for the tourist industry, which supports the Crystal River community. The resident often navigates through the congested Three Sisters area with a small boat and is surprised to see children swimming and snorkeling off tourist boats, not looking out for their safety as passing motorboats and pontoons seek to exit the canal area.
The resident notes that many adults and children touch, attempt to grab, and even try to ride on the manatees, which can be harmful to both humans and manatees. They question the necessity of snorkeling and swimming in the manatee areas for the tourist industry, as tourists can already see many manatees in the canals. The resident suggests that the water should belong to the manatees, not humans who want to touch them.
Originally reported by Citrus County Chronicle – Crystal River
