Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said state park swimming pools and beaches will be open this holiday weekend to welcome visitors for the outdoor activities that have been so critical to our well-being during the pandemic.

“Nothing says summer like the chance to take a dip in a pool or lake, and we’re pleased to be able to provide opportunities to cool off and have fun for our visitors this summer,” Dunn said.

Fifteen state parks have pools for the public to enjoy starting Saturday. They are typically open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend.

Visitors to park pools and beaches who are fully vaccinated are not required to wear a mask outdoors, however masks are still recommended to be worn when indoors, such as the restrooms. Masks for those not vaccinated are required indoors, when not actively swimming, and if unable to keep appropriate physical distance.

Swimming is permitted at 35 state parks across the commonwealth at designated beaches. Swimming beaches are open and free to the public from before Memorial Day to after Labor Day, unless otherwise posted.

With the exception of Presque Isle State Park in Erie and Fuller Lake in Pine Grove Furnace State Park in Cumberland County, all park beaches operate under the “open swim” policy, meaning you swim at your own risk. While lifeguards are not present, beaches are patrolled by park staff.

Dunn said DCNR is expanding its program offering visitors free sunscreen at state park beaches and swimming pools across the state, including the beach areas at Tuscarora in Schuylkill County and Tobyhanna State Park in Monroe County.

This program now has the potential to reach approximately 1 million visitors at 22 state parks.

For this fifth year, all park costs are covered by the Department of Health’s Cancer Fund, in conjunction with Impact Melanoma, with each park receiving two pole-mounted, battery-operated dispensers, supplying 30+ SPF BrightGuard sunscreen applications.

For more information about swimming in state parks, visit the DCNR website.