Shaver Lake reopens to visitors with new guidelines

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Shaver Lake is back open for business and visitors.

"We've been cooped up for far too long and found out that Shaver Lake's now open so we, you know, made the trip out to come," says Alexander Petrosyan, owner of Deli Delicious.

The lake has long been a popular summer destination until it closed its shores in late March to stop the spread of COVID-19.

"It's actually a lot better to come outside and enjoy the weather," says Michael Morgan.

Although other surrounding lakes reopened earlier, Shaver Lake was on its own timeline.

The lake is privately owned and operated by SoCal Edison, and officials with the power company say they were following the state's timelines.

"This is probably 25 percent of normal right now," says Fresno County Sheriff's Deputy Cory Houston. "Usually on a busy weekend, this whole beach would be jam-packed full of people."

Officials are implementing CDC health guidelines, asking people to stay at least six feet apart on the beach and capping parking lot capacity at 50 percent.

"They've limited the amount of passengers on the boats that they're renting out to help prevent the spread and recommend masks if they have them," Houston said.

Other safety measures in place include new soap dispensers in restrooms, which will be cleaned more frequently, and added signage, reminding visitors to follow CDC guidelines.

"It doesn't even feel like there's a pandemic going on," Morgan said. "Everybody is just hanging out, not even worried about it."

Although the lake has canceled its annual Fourth of July fireworks show, the Fresno County Sheriff's office still expects a busy weekend full of families.

"It won't be as busy and as crowded as normal but we'll still have a good showing, especially since the Fourth is on a Saturday this year," Houston said. "It'll be a busy weekend for us."

Currently, campgrounds are closed and there's no word on when they will reopen.