One of the most popular spots in San Marcos, Texas has been closed for over a year. Students and San Marcos residents are desperate for their favorite spot to open back up. Word is that the river could be opening up in June in the upcoming summer. The river was closed due to the nationwide pandemic that has resulted in deaths, hospitalizations, and more. Because of the intensity of this virus, several businesses had to close down to reduce the risk of spreading the virus. Closing different businesses is a great attempt to decrease the spread of the virus and put an end to Covid-19 as a whole.
One of the tube rental businesses, Lions Club Tube Rental, has been closed until further notice but anticipate opening in the summer. Students go to Lions Club Tube Rental to rent tubes, kayaks, and canoes. Lions Club Tube Rental has a shuttle service that will transport you back to the start of the river and carry your tubes too. Due to the virus the tube rental business has been closed to the public. On June 1, 2021, Lions Club will be opening up for tube rentals again and has developed procedures to keep the employees and customers safe.
Many people have been getting back to the river to kayak, paddle board, and float since the weather is getting warmer. Photo credit: Marti Clotiaux 
The San Marcos river will be opening for tube rentals on May 1st, 2021. Photo Credit: Marti Clotiaux 
You can bring your dogs to the “dog hill” across the river. Photo Credit: Marti Clotiaux 
There is rice in the rivers to feed the fish and the ecosystem within the river. Photo Credit: Marti Clotiaux 
San Marcos River contains “rice” that the fish feed off of and keep the rivers habitat healthy. Photo Credit: Marti Clotiaux
Many students are thrilled to have their classic tubing spot open up again and some students feel differently about the matter. The covid-19 virus has scared many students and has resulted their classes to be based in online learning through Zoom. Some students enjoy the online courses and have even benefited from the new learning platform.
Since the river is outdoors, students and residents are more open to the idea of attending. The virus is less likely to reach people when outside because of the heat and the open area. Many students have visited the bars and have a much higher chance of spreading the virus in enclosed spaces rather than the river. The river is a much safer option to have some fun in the summer heat.
Walker Otte, a student at Texas State, explains his thoughts on the river opening back up in these trying times. “As more people become vaccinated, we can all start getting out there. Tube rentals places are a great place to start…I think it is good for people to start getting out together.” In the outdoor setting it is less of a risk to spread the virus because people are not in a confined space.
If you want to hear more, listen to the general manager of Lions Club tube rental share the regulations and rules to be taken.
Vaccination numbers are rising in the San Marcos area because Texas State University, CVS, and other places are giving out vaccines in mass numbers. With the vaccine numbers rising more people are willing to leave their home and isolation and get back to having fun.
Elba Rocha, a student at Texas State University, has shared her thoughts about the river opening up and Lions Club Tube Rental renting tubes out. Rocha shares, “I think it’s going to be easy to get careless and to not be as diligent about doing everything. So, that would be a concern. ” Elba Rocha is excited about the river opening back up especially because of the rise in vaccinations in the San Marcos area.
Elba Rocha, a student at Texas State University, has shared her thoughts about the river opening up and Lions Club Tube Rental renting tubes out. Rocha shares, “I think it’s going to be easy to get careless and to not be as diligent about doing everything. So, that would be a concern. ” Elba Rocha is excited about the river opening back up especially because of the rise in vaccinations in the San Marcos area.
Enjoy the wide open spaces and the cool water. Photo Credit: Marti Clotiaux 
A swimming race in action. Photo Credit: Marti Clotiaux 
Lions Club Tube Rental keeps the park clean and beautiful. Photo Credit: Marti Clotiaux 
Make sure you bring your sandals and sunscreen on those sunny days! Photo Credit: Marti Clotiaux 
Some of the stones in the wall mural shows how the children love the river. Photo Credit: Marti Clotiaux 
You can rent or bring your own tubes to float the refreshing river. Photo Credit: Marti Clotiaux
There are other tube rental businesses opening up in the San Marcos area as well as Lions Club Tube Rental. So, the opening of Lions Club Tube Rental is not as bad as some might think. They are, in some ways, following the band wagon. All of the different tube rental places and kayak business are taking extra safe precautions to keep the customers and employees safe.
If you want to learn more, watch this video providing the inside scoop on Lions Club Tube Rental and how students feel.
