Lifeguard Shortage on Some Metro Beaches

MINNETONKA, Minn. - This is the time of year when beaches get very full. But depending on where and when you go, the life guard chair could be empty.

Little swimmers like five-year-old Madeline have had safety rules engrained in them by their parents. But kids are busy, quick and curious and any parent will tell you they still need some back up.

That back-up is getting cut back this summer at many metro beaches. Budget constraints are forcing many cities to reduce lifeguard coverage.

Tim Litfin is the executive director for Minnetonka Community Education, the organization that contracts lifeguards for several cities. He says the beaches will still be covered during peak hours.

They could do the alternative, which is no guards at any beaches, said Litfin. That would be a disaster for young families."

Some of the city beaches affected include Wayzata, Deephaven, Shorewood, Tonka Bay, Waconia, Minnewashta, Chanhassen and excelsior.

In many cases the lifeguard hours will be reduced from eight hours a day, to six hours a day. Other cities are simply cutting a week of service at the beginning or end of the summer. But empty lifeguard stands, don't necessarily equate to empty beaches.

http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/dpp/news/metro/Lifeguard_Shortage_on_Some_Metr...

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