Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board: Lifeguard services to be gradually implemented at area beaches

Reversing course, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) states lifeguard services at a handful of Minneapolis lake beaches will be offered this year.

MPRB previously stated, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, beaches would not be staffed by lifeguards.

In an update Wednesday, the MPRB stated that lifeguard services will be available from 12-7 p.m. at Wirth Lake Beach, Bde Maka Ska's Thomas Beach and Lake Nokomis Main Beach this Saturday and Sunday as well as June 27-28.

Then, starting July 2, daily lifeguard services will be available from 12-7 p.m. at the three beaches mentioned above as well as Cedar Lake East Beach and Lake Harriet Main Beach.

Additionally, the MPRB states if the temperature is above 85 degrees, lifeguarding hours will be extended to 8 p.m.

The MPRB said beaches will be accesible during regular park hours, which are from 6 a.m.-10 p.m. The remaining seven beaches under its jurisdiction will not have lifeguarding services this summer. Swim docks will also not be installed at area beaches.