Carbon County is gearing up for the opening of swimming season at Mauch Chunk Lake this weekend.

On Thursday, Commissioner Chris Lukasevich said that the water has been tested at the lake to make sure it was suitable for swimming and the results show that the water quality is excellent.

In addition, he noted there will be at least three lifeguards on duty over the weekend.

Officials have been looking for ways to attract more lifeguards to the lake and make sure the beach has coverage.

Also on Thursday, the board of commissioners approved hiring Rhiannon Dempsey of Weatherly and Alexandra Janner of Nesquehoning as lifeguards, effective Saturday.

Ethan Turrano of Tamaqua was hired as the lifeguard supervisor, also effective Saturday.