LACKAWANNA COUNTY, Pa. — The Fourth of July has come and gone, but for the families enjoying the pool at Lackawanna State Park - they remained in holiday mode.
Having people in the pool almost didn't happen.
This year, park officials didn't think the pool would be open due to a lack of lifeguards.
However, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources opened the pool by having lifeguards from other state parks fill in.
The amount of people in the pool on Monday shows just how popular it is.
Harlee Straut from Scranton came here with her family.
“They invited us to come. My cousins and I really did think it was closed, but it's good that it's open,” said Straut.
Park officials say the pool will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday through Monday, based on the availability of lifeguards.
John Yonke from Jermyn brought his two children to the pool.
“Oh, they love it. This is his first time here, so he's really enjoying it. She likes to come here, we have a pool at home, but it's just something different. She gets to play with kids and have a good time,” said Yonke.
Amanda Pederson from Peckville likes how park officials take the lifeguards' wellbeing seriously.
“There's such a storage of lifeguards right now that they take a 15-minute break every hour and a half, just so they can take a break, get out of the heat for a minute,” said Pederson.
After cooling off in the pool, some folks opted to stick around and camp in the park.
Gordon and Sharon Smith are from Philadelphia. Since Thursday, they've been camping out at Lackawanna State Park to attend the Peach Music Festival and took advantage of the pool during their stay.
The couple says being at the park feels like life is getting back to normal.
“It was great because just after this pandemic, just being able to get out and going to the Peach Fest and seeing nobody with a mask on,” said Gordon.
Those who want to swim here should check with the park before coming out to make sure it's open.