CLEVELAND — The unofficial kick-off to summer begins this Memorial Day weekend and people are heading outdoors after being cooped up during the pandemic.
The Cleveland Metroparks staff is encouraging people to come down to the beaches and parks this Memorial Day weekend but if you plan to go you should arrive early.
“We want everyone to enjoy the parks, but safely. So we are expecting very high volume of visitation here at Edgewater, (we’re) expecting our guests to arrive early because they will shut down the parking lot when it hits capacity,” said Christy Moore, the Aquatics Director for Cleveland Metroparks.
For those trying to get across the Cuyahoga River, the water taxi will be free on weekends starting Memorial Day weekend.
“The water taxi “ELCEE2″ will begin transporting guests to the east and west side of the Flats on Saturday and Sundays. It is the kick-off for water rentals down at Hinkley Boathouse and Store,” Moore said.
For those heading to the beaches, remember lifeguards will not be on duty this Memorial Day weekend.
Here are some safety tips:
“We want to have to make sure they are swimming in a designated area and use safety precautions, wear U.S. Coastguard approved life jackets, always swim with a buddy. Lifeguards, even when they are on duty, are only an additional layer of protection so we do ask parents and guardians to keep a close eye on our children on or near water,” Moore said.
Lifeguards will be back at their posts on Saturday, June 5.
