FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- West Beach at Fort Rucker's Lake Tholocco opens for the season May 28.
The swimming area is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., according to Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation officials.
West Beach features a swimming area with dock, a 70-foot long, double-flume water slide, a water trampoline, small slides, a spray pad and a sandy beach area.
The season is from May 28 to June 12, weekends only, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Memorial Day weekend the beach will also open Monday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., said Jon Cole, DFMWR aquatics manager.
June 15, West Beach opens for swimming Wednesday's through Sunday's from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. until school starts. West Beach will be open weekends only Aug. 14 through Sept. 5 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., according to Cole.
Until the opening of West Beach May 28, swimming isn't allowed since there are no life guards present, Cole said.
"If someone goes under and there is no one there to immediately respond and track them, then more than likely we won't find them," said Cole. "There are both Fort Rucker and Army regulations that specify there will be lifeguards on duty in areas where swimming takes place."
During the operating hours 10 lifeguards are on duty at West Beach.
"West Beach isn't open now because 90 percent of our summer staff consists of high school and college students. We don't have the manpower to run those facilities seven days a week," Cole said.
Cole also reminded everyone to follow general water safety rules including no horse play, no diving off docks and for parents to always watch their children.
There is a fee charged for entering West Beach. Children ages 2 and under enter free, ages 3-12 are $1.50, ages 13-17 are $2.25, and ages 18 and up are $3.
"A cost of $1 will be charged for those wanting to swim in the open-water lap swimming area towards the back of the enclosure, which is primarily towards open water swimming, triathletes and fitness training," said Cole.
Season passes are also available for West Beach and are prorated throughout the summer. Season passes are sold at both physical fitness facilities, leisure travel, outdoor recreation and Splash! pool. The prices are: a one person season pass $50, a two-person pass $80, a three-person Family pass $110, a four-person family pass $140 and $25 for each additional member.
For more information on West Beach, call 255-2296 or 255-4305 or visit www.ftruckermwr.com.
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