MINNEAPOLIS —
There’s an extra set of eyes on the beaches in Minneapolis.
Parents like Jonathan Searle and his aquatic kids appreciate the added safety precautions. Starting on June 20, there will be a lifeguard on duty every Saturday and Sunday from 12 p.m. - 7 p.m. at Minneapolis' three most popular beaches.
The move comes in the wake of four water rescues and one drowning that occurred within the last week alone, according to Hennepin County officials.
The Minneapolis Parks Department says they’ll start to ramp up lifeguard safety heading into July and the 4th of July holiday.
Currently, Bde Maka Ska's Thomas Beach, Lake Nokomis Main Beach and Wirth Lake Beach have lifeguards on duty.
Not every beach will be staffed this summer, so officials urge people to use caution when enjoying the water.
The city announced they're planning to hire additional lifeguards by July 2 to provide additional daily staffing at the five busiest beaches, including:
- Bde Maka Ska Thomas Beach
- Cedar Lake East Beach
- Lake Harriet North Beach
- Lake Nokomis Main Beach
- Wirth Lake Beach
If the temperature at 6 p.m. is 85 degrees or warmer, lifeguard services will continue through 8 p.m. Normal hours of beach operation are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Buoys have already been put out at the five busiest public beaches, and the city says the other seven will have buoys by July 4.