MINNEAPOLIS — According to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), the beaches at Lake Nokomis in Minneapolis reopened on Thursday, Sept. 5 after they were shut down due to E. coli.
The beaches had previously been closed after some swimmers became ill from a strain of E. coli between July 16 and Aug. 11, 2019.
Unfortunately, the lake reopened right after beach season ended on Labor Day, according to the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB). This means that safety features such as lifeguards, swimming docks and buoys have been removed.
The MPRB and MDH have released these safety guidelines for the upcoming 2020 beach season.
- Avoid entering lakes for 24 to 48 hours after rainfalls of more than .5 inches as storm water runoff can cause high bacteria counts.
- Do not go into the water if you are sick, especially if you have experienced diarrhea in the past week.
- Don’t swallow the water.
- If possible, wash your hands or shower before and after swimming.
- Take children on frequent bathroom breaks when swimming – waiting to hear “I have to go” may mean that it’s already too late.
- Change diapers in changing rooms, not on the beach. Wash your hands and the child’s hands after changing diapers.
- Dispose of trash and animal waste properly.
- Don’t encourage waterfowl by feeding ducks, geese, seagulls, or other birds.
Anyone with questions about previously confirmed illnesses can contact MDH at 651-201-5414.
