Different 'Bathtub' reopens but beach still has old attraction

Bathtub has been closed since late September, first because ofsevere erosion and then a lack of lifeguards. Swells left treestumps and roots exposed and damaged lifeguard stations, boardwalksand the parking lot. At high tide, there is no beach. Park department staff have done much to patch up damage, moving anoverturned lifeguard station back to its spot and fixing brokenstairs, and altering the design of the boardwalk. Signs also havebeen added to warn swimmers of submerged objects. And lifeguard positions, down to 12 full-timers from 17, are alsobeing filled by part-timers without training as emergency medicaltechnicians. John Handlen, a Martin County lifeguard for 20 years, said peopleshould be careful of the partially submerged root systems andexposed trunks, but noted that Bathtub was still "basically thesame thing." "The reef's a little smaller, the water's clean, it's a pretty goodday for opening day," he said. The long-awaited reopening, which was delayed several times, wasgreeted with little fanfare but much enthusiasm Monday. Umbrellasdotted the beach, toddlers dumped buckets of sand on themselves andthe gently lapping water, and many a visitor sprawled, book inhand. Beach-goers pointed out the differences - gnarled tree stumps, apuddle-filled root system, narrowed beach and newly patchedboardwalk and lifeguard stations - but noted that much of whatmakes Bathtub beloved remained. "It's perfect for children," said Joseph Foley, 32, of Port St.Lucie, who brought visiting family, including his young niece andnephew, to the beach Monday afternoon. Foley said even the exposed root system and stumps, which werecollecting little creatures and mossy algae, were like a sciencelesson for the children. Dew, who came to the beach with her two daughters, Courtney Dew,14, and Kelee Ritter, 8, said she wanted to see what had become ofone of her family's favorite recreational spots. She waded while Kelee and her friend, Hannah Grulich, 8, splashedin a large puddle in the root system left exposed by the recentswells. Older sister, Courtney, said the beach used to have moresand, rock caves to play in and prettier patches of coral out nearthe rocks. "It's still pretty, it's just not as pretty as it used to be," shesaid.