Water Mine Switches To Weekends-Only Early Due To Lifeguard Shortage

RESTON, VA — Starting Monday, the Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole at Lake Fairfax Park in Reston will be closed for five days due to lifeguard and other operations staff shortage, according to a release from the Fairfax County Park Authority.

Although the Water Mine will reopen on Saturday, Aug. 20, the facility was scheduled to switch over to weekends-only service on Monday, Aug. 22.

This decision by the park authority means that Friday will be last weekday opening until Labor Day weekend, when the Water Mine will be open on Friday, Sept. 2, and Monday, Sept. 5. The Water Mine will close for the season the following Saturday.

The shortages reflect the challenges FCPA has been facing this year in recruiting personnel to fill the 600 seasonal jobs at its summer camps, pools, water features, and other park sites.

“We understand this decision is disappointing. However, it’s safety, safety, safety first,” said Park Services Division Director Cindy Walsh, on the park authority's website. “Our staff has done a great job all season long. Many guards are going back to school earlier or going on vacation, leaving us with far fewer guards than we’ve had in the past at this point in the season.”

The water mine is located at 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive in Reston. More information is available on the Water Mine website or by calling 703-246-5929.