Erie County beaches officially open

ANGOLA, N.Y. (WIVB) - Two summer hot spots along the shores of Lake Erie are back open for the season.

Erie County's two beaches open officially on Saturday, but Bennett Beach was buzzing with activity on Friday, a great day for the County Executive to make his announcement.

Erie County Executive Chris Collins said, "As you can see, there's no oil washing up on the shores!"

On the contrary, Bennett Beach in Angola was as picturesque as ever, and was filled with beach lovers on a beautiful summer day, happy that the rain went away from awhile.

Erie County will provide 16 lifeguards at Bennett and Wendt beaches and will also replenish the sand at Wendt Beach to make it less rocky. The county says it's part of a commitment to the quality of life here.

Erie County Parks Commissioner Jim Hornung stated, "We got staff that are dedicated to go the extra mile, to make sure we get done what has to be done, and these beaches are certainly a priority for us."

Bennett and Wendt beaches are funded 100 percent with county dollars.

"It contrasts the fine financial condition the county's in to that of New York State, and it's a proper use of county taxpayer dollars to provide this to the residents of Erie County," said Collins.

Fun in the sun was the order of the day, and beach-goers here were happy to have it all available to them.

Samantha Frew thought, "If we didn't have this beach right here, I don't know what we'd do. We probably be home watching TV."

And it's all free of charge!