Embedded Files
Getting Started in SWIMS
Getting Started in SWIMS
SWIMS is the Surface Water Integrated Management System, the database used for all things water by WDNR. Data collected in SWIMS helps with important work like reporting to EPA. AIS Coordinators use it extensively for recording fieldwork events such as CBCW, CLMN, AIS Monitoring, AIS Signage, Purple Loosestrife Biocontrol, and some outreach activities.
Anyone who will be entering data or should be accounted for as working on a SWIMS project should have a SWIMS profile. By having a profile in SWIMS a person's fieldwork activities can be reported as being done by them. They are associated with the specific projects they do and can easily be added to new projects at anytime.
If you are a new AIS Coordinator, DNR Regional AIS Biologists can set up your profile and give you the Project Coordinator role. They also will help to make sure the right projects are added for you.
MyWisconsin ID
MyWisconsin ID
You need a MyWisconsin ID to access SWIMS. This video was created to show volunteers how to register for a MyWisconsin ID. The process is the same for professionals, except you will email your DNR Regional AIS Biologist to finish the set up of your profile.
Common Reasons and Fixes for SWIMS Sign-in Issues
New Profiles in SWIMS
New Profiles in SWIMS
AIS Coordinators with the SWIMS Role "Project Coordinator" can set up profiles for their staff and volunteers. See the video below for People - Adding a Profile.
New profiles need the following information:
MyWisonsin ID Email/ID
First and last name
Organization
Work email address for staff/personal email if adding volunteers
Work address for staff or home address for volunteers
Work phone for staff or home phone for volunteers
Names of any active grants; easiest for us to find if you use give us the exact name of the grant or grant number
Projects that you should be associated to
County or Counties covered
Volunteers receive specific SWIMS guidance from their program coordinators with CBCW, CLMN, Project RED, and WAV, which can be found on the respective program websites.
SWIMS Projects for LMPN Coordinators
SWIMS Projects for LMPN Coordinators
There are certain projects in SWIMS that LMPN Coordinators and their staff need to have in their profiles to ensure their data is recorded in the correct location for accurate reporting. Please refer to the SWIMS Projects for LMPN guidance and check your "My Projects" list in SWIMS to verify that you are connected with the correct projects. Contact your DNR Regional AIS Biologist if you need any of these projects added to your profile.
Entering Trainings into SWIMS
Entering Trainings into SWIMS
Training details and participant names must be entered into SWIMS after conducting CBCW, CLMN, PLB, or Project RED trainings. An attendance sheet and instructions are available in the SWIMS Resources sub-folder, Training files, in Box.
Use the Water Trainings Attendance sheet to record training and participant data.
Follow the instructions on Entering Volunteer Program Trainings into SWIMS.
Resources
Resources
Training Videos: Scroll to bottom of page.
Guide: Sign into SWIMS, click on Help & Resources in the blue toolbar and then click on SWIMS User Guide to download it.
Timely SWIMS related news: Stay aware of substantial updates, SWIMS outages, etc. by signing up for Gov Delivery notices.
WI AIS Partnership Newsletter: Occasionally we'll have SWIMS news in the newsletter, especially as we become aware of improvements or glitches.
Questions?
Questions?
LMPN related SWIMS questions: Contact your Regional AIS Biologist or LakesSupport@uwsp.edu
CBCW and CLMN: LakesSupport@uwsp.edu
WAV, Project RED, Snapshot Day: wav@extension.wisc.edu
Lakes and AIS Viewer and Boat Launch Signs
Lakes and AIS Viewer and Boat Launch Signs
This short video explains how the new version of the viewer is showing the boat launch sign logos and a couple related changes from the way things appeared on the old viewer. Consider this video temporary because as of the day Jeanne posted it, 2/24/25, it's unknown if the content reflects how SWIMS and the Viewer work permanently or until further updates are made. We were unable to get close captioning to work with the video. If you need assistance with the content, please contact LakesSupport@uwsp.edu.
SWIMS Training Videos (2024)
SWIMS Training Videos (2024)
Each video ends with the recommendation to ask the SWIMS Help Team for help when needed. INSTEAD, please contact your 1) Regional AIS Biologist, 2) the statewide programs coordinators or 3) LakesSupport@uwsp.edu.
General Overview of the Surface Water Integrated Monitoring System (SWIMS)
A Tour of the SWIMS Database
People - Adding a Profile
People - Editing a Profile
Early in the video, it's said that you can click on your name in the upper righthand corner of the screen and go to an editing screen for your profile. Unfortunately, this is only possible for those with Project Coordinator and higher roles.
People - Updating your My Projects List
You must have the Project Coordinator role to update your own or others' project lists.
Stations - Tips for How to Find Stations
The video shows how to find stations in SWIMS and on the older version of the Surface Water Data Viewer, but should still be helpful until it can be remade.
Fieldwork-Adding and Editing
In this video, you're told you can't add additional documents once you save your fieldwork event. However, it is possible as long as you have the SWIMS Project Coordinator role or higher. Click here for how to steps. Unfortunately, staff and partners with External Power Edit can't do these additions.
Pro-tip: If you have opened the editing screen for fieldwork that looks like the original data entry page, make sure it is still showing the correct form. Sometimes there is more than one form available for entering data, and during editing, SWIMS may bring up a form other than the one you used originally. However, the form you need should be in the dropdown to choose.
What Is a Resource of Interest (ROI)?
https://youtu.be/w-BSi5-Jaf8
Finding and Reviewing a Resource of Interest (ROI)
This video has examples of looking for ROIs using the Observed status. At some point, DNR will be replacing "Observed" with new terminology, but the new terminology will be widely shared once it's decided upon.
https://youtu.be/ujG7b78BhqQ
Adding Documents
Projects - Finding and Managing
LAV and Boat Launch Signs
SWIMS Video Series Playlist
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWYkTfJ_LDJZxHmM0vdzJF_jZdi9KWAYS&si=dK3eEUqs8PSj0-_5
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