There are often Visitors' Centres at reservoirs. They offer recreational activities such as water sports, walking and nature studies. Not all reservoirs offer the same facilities. Some are are unsuitable for recreational uses.

Water Sports

Diving
This is a popular water sport. Many reservoirs offer courses to teach people how to dive. People with a qualified certificate dive for a small fee.

Sailing
Sailing is a common water sport on reservoirs. There are beginners' sailing courses as well as facilities for more experienced sailors.

Wind surfing
There are often courses for beginners as well as facilities for more experienced users.

Canoeing
People can hire canoes at the reservoir. This is a popular water sport for children. Tuition courses are also available for adults as well as children.

Fishing
Many reservoirs are stocked with fish and people belong to clubs where they buy fishing permits to take fish from the reservoir.

Land-based activities

Nature study
The owners of reservoirs often plant lots of different trees round the shoreline. This provides a habitat for birds, wildlife and different plant species. People can walk round the reservoir and study nature.

Walking
People can take their dogs round the walk ways. This is a relaxing time for both animal and owner.

Other activities
Some reservoirs like Bewl Water are open to the public. They have clubs and activities monitored by trained staff. There are many things which people can use and do at reservoirs open to the public. People cannot normally use the reservoir for swimming as it is often too dangerous. But not all reservoirs are open to the public. Lake Nasser, the largest reservoir in the world, is only used for cruises and water supply. People are not allowed to use the reservoir for water sports and other activities. In fact many of the world's reservoirs are not open to the public. The purpose of most reservoirs is to supply water.