8/27/2010
BARBOURSVILLE, W.Va. – Swimming pools in West Virginia state parks are winding down their hours as most state park lifeguards return to school. “It’s part of what occurs in operation of most public swimming pools across the state this time of the year,” said State Parks Chief Ken Caplinger. “Most schools are starting before Labor Day, which has been the traditional closing date, so swimming pool operations now face staffing challenges that sometimes force closure before the holiday."
Beech Fork State Park’s pool is one that is closing for the remainder of this summer season due to a shortage of lifeguards. “We apologize for this, but pool operation requires employees with life guarding requirements,” said Beech Fork Supt. Matt Yeager. “We’re just not going to have enough staff to finish out this year. Our pool at Beech Fork is closing August 27 and will reopen Memorial Weekend in 2011.”
An alternative for swimmers is the Beech Fork Lake swimming area in Lavalette at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Recreation Area, which is open 10 a.m to 7p.m. daily through Labor Day. The Corps Recreation Area is approximately 20 miles from the state park.
Many state parks swimming pools will still be open during regular hours the remainder of the summer and others will reopen for Labor Day weekend and intermittent days prior to Labor Day. Over the past three weeks, state parks have been posting revised swimming days and hours of operation as lifeguards return to school. The information also is updated on the W.Va. State Parks website at www.wvstateparks.com and specific parks have notified visitors and guests, encouraging them to contact the parks directly for revised schedules.
Contact Information
Matt Yeager, Superintendent
304-528-5794
beechfork@wvdnr.gov