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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
City of Duluth - Parks and Recreation
411 West First Street • Duluth, Minnesota 55802
218-730-4309 • www.duluthmn.gov
For more information contact Kelli Latuska,
Public Information Officer at 218-730-5309
 
DATE: 6/7/2019
SUBJECT: Parks Staff Warn Public to Not Swim in Lake Superior this Weekend due to Cold Water Temperatures
BY: Kate Van Daele, Public Information Officer
 

Parks& Recreation Staff Warn Public to Not Swim in Lake Superior this Weekend due to Cold Water Temperatures

 [Duluth, MN] The City of Duluth Parks and Recreation staff would like to encourage the public to not swim in Lake Superior this weekend due to very cold water temperatures. Water temperatures are still being recorded under 40 degrees along Park Point, and the National Center for Cold Water Safety categorizes water under 40 degrees as "Immediately life-threatening."

With temperatures forecasted in Duluth to hit the high 70s on Saturday the urge to enter the water is anticipated, but Parks and Recreation staff want to send a message to beachgoers. “We are excited that summer is finally upon us, but the risks of swimming in dangerously cold water are serious, so we ask that all beachgoers be safe, and not swim in the lake until water temperatures warm up,” said Parks Manager, Jessica Peterson.

Interim Fire Chief Shawn Krizaj agreed and added, “When water temperatures are below 40 degrees, hypothermia symptoms occur in minutes.”

The Park Point Beach House will be open to the public starting on Monday, June 10, 2019.

Lifeguards will be on duty on the beach once water temperatures rise into the 40’s.

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