Ramsey Creek Beach Now Open On Weekends Through Labor Day

CORNELIUS, NC — Ramsey Creek Beach in Cornelius is set to open every weekend until Labor Day, Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation officials announced Thursday.

Earlier this season, county officials announced the beach would not open due to a lifeguard shortage.

Beginning Saturday, Ramsey Creek Beach will open from noon until 5 p.m. each Saturday and Sunday.

This weekend, the county is offering a free shuttle to the beach from the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) Park & Ride lot located at 19752-19758 One Norman Drive in Cornelius.

"There is no entry fee to the beach area when you take the shuttle," the county said.

SEE ALSO: County's Lifeguard Shortage Forces Closure Of Ramsey Creek Beach

Last month, the county reported an ongoing lifeguard shortage was putting the squeeze on county pool's operations, which also prompted the closure of the Lake Norman beach.

"The national shortage of lifeguards, which has been building for several years, coupled with the very tight employment landscape and compensation challenges, is limiting Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation's ability to open its two outdoor seasonal pools, Double Oaks and Cordelia, as well as causing the temporary closure of Ramsey Creek Beach," the county said in a statement in late May.

This summer, the county has attempted to overcome the lifeguard shortage by increasing the minimum wage to $15 an hour and offering a $500 signing bonus.

Here's a list of entrance fees for Ramsey Creek Beach:

• Mecklenburg County resident — $10 per vehicle
• Non-resident — $15 per vehicle
• Mecklenburg County senior citizen or person with disability — $2
• Non-resident senior citizen or person with disability — $3

SEE ALSO:

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• No Swimming Advisory Lifted On Lake Norman Cove In Cornelius