Three Charleston County waterparks set to open for the summer on Saturday
CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – Waterparks across Charleston County are set to open for the summer season.
Three of the county’s main waterparks open Saturday morning, but while they’re only open for weekends right now, it won’t be long until they are open weekly.
Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Waterpark in North Charleston begins operations on Saturday and will be open throughout the weekends. Gates open at 10:00 a.m. Over in Mount Pleasant, Splash Island opens at 10:00 a.m. Saturday and 1:00 p.m. on Sunday. Lastly, Splash Zone on James Island opens at 10:00 a.m. on Saturdays and 1:00 p.m. on Sundays.
How busy is it expected to get this year?
News 2 talked with Charleston County Park officials who shared their most recent attendance numbers over the last three years.
- Whirlin’ Waters
- 2021: 145,322 2022: 146,479 2023:155,999
- Splash Zone
- 2021: 64,179 2022: 50,109 2023: 64,810
- Splash Island
- 2021: 29,199 2022: 27,404 2023: 26,309
Whirlin Waters, the largest park, has grown steadily over the years, while Splash Zone has remained the same and Splash Island has slightly decreased in attendance. Keep in mind both Splash Island and Splash Zone had to close early last year due to a lifeguard shortage.
Before gates open for the summer, Charleston County Park officials say their lifeguards are ready for the start of the season.
“Going into the season so far it’s looking very good for our staffing with our lifeguards, it’s looking to be a good and safe summer at the water park for sure. But you know lifeguard retention and recruitment remain a national issue, so you know it could be a concern later in the year but we’re hoping things are looking really good as of now. We could maybe use like 1 or 2 more lifeguards, but things are looking pretty good and we’re looking forward to a great summer,” said Charleston County Parks Public Information Coordinator, Sarah Reynolds.
Gates open for the start of the summer season at all three water parks on Saturday morning; however, parks will begin weekly operations in June. Severe weather and holidays could impact schedules.
