When swimming, do you have to stay inside the ropes? I'm looking for a good place to swim for teens/young adults where they can do more than wade while trying to avoid little kids. Thanks!

Along the trails there are plenty of spots to just jump in. I hiked the Paddy's Creek trail and there were at least 3 places to go down to the shore.

Not at all. I have rented both before on lake James. Come on and we just anchored the boat anywhere and jumped in. Also, when pedal boarding the same thing. I just would not swim in the middle of the lake, where the most boats are driving around. I would just find rather a cove, or inlet.