Oh to swim in Maine! There are fewer spots in the world where the lakes — so deep and clear and cool — lie so close to the formidable, yet healing, waters of the Atlantic. If you love the water, salt or fresh, there are a multitude of places to explore with your swim suit (or wet suit, if you just can’t abide the cold ocean). On a hot day in July, the lakes are still refreshingly filled, some fed from below from hidden springs way below the surface. Megunticook Lake and Norton Pond fill with swimmers, out at dawn or in the evening. Swanville Lake and Lake St. George are gems further inland. And, of course, there are the ponds and quarries all over the map. On Rockport Harbor, the rocks on Beauchamp Point — some call it St. Tropez — are deliciously warm on a hot afternoon, and heat the incoming tide. On Vinalhaven, the quarries are renowned for being the best of human-dug swimming holes.

Summer is the time when smart people keep their swim suits handy in the back seat of the car. Their winter equipment, the skis and snowshoes, have been traded in for towels, swim shoes and trunks.

We could go on and on about good swimming beaches and rocks; instead, we polled our readers at PenBayPilot.com for their favorite swimming spots. Some declined to share, saying “why we would do that?” Others were more generous with their gems. Here are a few. Be forewarned: The list is eclectic (like most Pilot readers!).

Fernalds Neck Preserve, on Megunticook Lake, in Lincolnville. Accessed by canoe, kayak or boat, or walk in, courtesy of Coastal Mountains Land Trust groomed hiking trails through dense softwood forest (think quiet and stately pine trees). Fernald’s Neck comprises 329 acres, and much of it along the water’s edge. The rocks are warm in the summer, and there are plenty of spots to jump in from a-high (for those who like heights), as well as those who’d rather roll into the water like turtles. coastalmountains.org

Barrett's Cove, in Camden, hugs a corner of Megunticook Lake on town-owned property, on Beaucaire Ave., just off of Route 52 heading toward Lincolnville. It’s a family spot, with a float, and roped off swimming area. We said family, and it is rarely deserted. Just so you know.

Damariscotta Mills. Yes, once an old mill, strategically located on Damariscotta Lake. Pond Road that winds between Damariscotta and Newcastle. Stop, roll down your window and ask a local for directions. You can get there from there.

Morgan’s Mill. Another spot where an old mill once reigned. Actually, it also currently home to a thriving business, Morgan’s Mills flour and grain mill. This special swimming spot is on the Payson Road (off of Route 17) in Union, and has long been a place where children and adults love to jump off a low bridge into the bottom of Lermond Pond. Say you’re driving home from a long day of work in Augusta.... Swing off the highway and jump in!

Matinicusville Harbor. That’s code for, catch a plane or boat 20 miles out to Matinicus, and ask a local where the best spot is for an ocean dip. Then, dry off in the sun like a seal, and find out what’s happening on this illustrious island.

Craig Pond. This coldwater lake is in Orland, heading downeast toward Ellsworth. It is 69 feet at its deepest, and is craggy and crystal clear. People love it, and you will, too. It’s a bit of a lumber from the Midcoast, but a nice drive. Head north on Route 1, over the Waldo-Hancock Bridge, north to Orland. Then, find the Hatchery Road and follow the dirt road about one half mile. Not to worry. You’ll find it.

Bayside. In Northport, at the water’s edge of this legendary summer colony, lies an excellent place for jumping right into Penobscot Bay. A good deepwater dock, friendly people, nice community. Close to Belfast, and has a good deep water dock. Go for it.... On a hot day!

Hosmer Pond. OK. This one will appeal to the most daring native Mainers. The dock lies a few feet out from the mucky edge of that famous pond at the foot of Ragged Mountain, in Camden. Lots of turtles and fish, dogs. Yep, it’s local. Some remember flipping the float and having grand muck fights... more than 40 years ago.  Some things never change. Wear flip flops or something on your feet.