A 2001 BOPARC survey documented broad public interest in swimming at Cheat Lake. A group of swimming advocates called SEALs (Swimming for Everyone at the Lake) commissioned a study to identify a suitable swimming site. The study was conducted by a WVU Parks and Recreation graduate class under the supervision of. Chad Pierskalla. They evaluated four areas using a number of criteria to determine suitability for a swimming beach. Three areas, all at Cheat Lake Park and Trail, were rated as most suitable for swimming:
The SEALs group will be researching the engineering required to make this dream a reality.