Season in Full Swing at New River Gorge National River with Water Safety Weekend

Date: May 27, 2016
Contact: Jodi French-Burr, 304-574-2115

Glen Jean, West Virginia—Summer is almost here! This is the perfect time to explore parks like New River Gorge National River. Stop by any park visitor center and join in on free guided activities in the park, including Water Safety Weekend.

National Park Service visitor centers are a good place to begin any park visit. These facilities offer detailed information about the park's natural and cultural resources and recreation opportunities.

·Canyon Rim Visitor Center in Lansing: open daily 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.;startingMay 28and in June, this facility will have extended hours on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

·Thurmond Depot Visitor Center in Thurmond: opens May 28, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily

·Grandview Visitor Center at Grandview: opens May 29, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily

·Sandstone Visitor Center in Sandstone: open daily 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Guided activities are fun ways to explore parks. This Memorial Day Weekend the National Park Service and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers celebrate Water Safety Weekend. This event features simple ways everyone can prevent tragedy on rivers and lakes by staying safe on the water. Water safety begins with you! Here are this weekend's activities:              

Saturday, May 28:

Bluestone Walk

10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.Meet at the base of Pipestem Resort State Park tramway in Pipestem. Two mile walk. Walk within Bluestone National Scenic River for a mile and return. Along the way, enjoy the flora and fauna of the area and discover regional history. Bring $2.25 for the return tram ride.

Water Safety Weekend: Water Safety Roundup

2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Meet at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center in Lansing. Do you know how to throw a water rescue bag or how to make sure you've got the best life jacket for each person on your water adventure? Have fun as you try your hand at smart water safety techniques from the safety of land.

Water Safety Weekend: River Ranger Rendezvous

2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.Meet at the Sandstone Falls Boardwalk on River Road near Hinton. Learn easy tips to stay safe when you go out on your next fishing or boating river adventure. Come and go as you please for this informal program near the water's edge.

Sunday, May 29:

Historic Thurmond Walking Tour

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.Meet at the Thurmond Depot Visitor Center in Thurmond. 0.5 mile walk. What was life like in one of the New River Gorge's most renowned towns? Meet a ranger in Thurmond's historic district for an informal tour of this once bustling railroad town, hearing stories of days gone by.

Water Safety Weekend: Water Safety Festival

1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.Meet at the "The Pits" boat-launch area on Bluestone Lake on Route 20 in Hinton. This hands-on festival for all ages features watercraft safety, life jacket fittings, water rescue demonstrations, throw bag competitions, and much more. See how you can put these smart water safety tips into action at every turn. Children will get the chance to become a Water Safety Junior Ranger.

Rhodo Walk

2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.Meet at the Grandview Visitor Center at Grandview. One mile walk. Enjoy the beautiful blooms of Catawba rhododendron on this leisurely hike to the North Overlook and back.

May 28 –30:

Water Safety Weekend: Water Safety and You

9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.Meet at the Sandstone Visitor Center in Sandstone. Stop by the visitor center to see ways you can stay safe while on your next water adventure in this special exhibit. Chat with a ranger about river tips too.

  www.nps.gov/neri   

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