FAQs

There are not lifeguards at any Lakeville beaches. Swim at your own risk and stay within designated swimming areas only.

Generally beach water is safe to swim in, although accidental drownings and waterborne illness are always a concern. Lakeville beach water is sampled weekly to ensure that the water meets the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) proposal for water bacteria levels.

The most current MPCA recommendations for beach water sampling are to test for the presence of Escherichia coli (E. coli). E. coli is one of the intestinal organisms found in warm-blooded animal waste. It is therefore a good indicator of fecal contamination.

Several factors can cause bacterial levels to increase, which can result in a beach closing. Some of the reasons for increased bacterial levels may be swimmer load and swimmer practices; high water temperature, waterfowl droppings, animal wastes, rainfall and low water levels. When lab results indicate increased levels of bacteria, such as E. coli, city staff has to determine what measures need to be taken to protect the public health. These measures may include more frequent testing, removing waterfowl, and educating users on personal hygienic practices at the beach.

City of Lakeville staff will reopen the closed beach when E. coli levels fall below the proposed MPCA water bacteria acceptable ranges. In late summer during low water levels and high temperatures, bacterial levels may remain above acceptable levels for a prolonged period of time. This sometimes causes such beaches to remain closed longer than when the water temperature is cooler or if the water levels are higher. City of Lakeville staff will open the beach as soon as it is safe to do so, but always keeping the public’s health in mind.

Yes, fish is normally safe if it is cooked.

Some strains of E. coli can make people sick if ingested with water at swimming facilities. In general, however, the E. coli test is used as an indication that some harmful organisms may be present at a swimming facility.