Ramsey Creek Beach on Lake Norman now open on weekends

CORNELIUS, N.C. — After facing a lifeguard shortage in May, Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation has announced that Ramsey Creek Beach on Lake Norman will be open on weekends starting Saturday.

The beach will be open from 12-5 p.m. each Saturday and Sunday through Labor Day.

Beach-goers are encouraged to take the shuttle to get free admission this weekend.

Park and Recreation in conjunction with the Charlotte Area Transit System will operate a free shuttle from the CATS Park and Ride lot at 19752-19758 One Norman Drive in Cornelius. There is no charge for beach access when you ride the free shuttle.

Entrance fees will apply if driving your own vehicle to the beach:

For county residents - $10 per vehicle

For non-residents - $15 per vehicle

For county residents, senior citizens or people with disability - $2 per vehicle

For non-residents, senior citizens or people with disability - $3 per vehicle

Ramsey Creek Park is at 18441 Nantz Road in Cornelius and features more than 40 acres of waterfront.

The public beach area was closed in 2020 because of the pandemic and was not expected to open this summer because of the lifeguard shortage. A county representative said 145 people have applied for lifeguard positions since it started offering $15 per hour with a $500 signing bonus.

The representative said Ramsey Creek Beach will have sufficient staffing for the limited hours open this weekend.

Future dates and hours for beach operations will be announced when available.

(WATCH BELOW: Charlotte YMCA short hundreds of lifeguards ahead of unofficial start of summer)

Charlotte YMCA short hundreds of lifeguards ahead of unofficial start to summer

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