After the death of one of four swimmers critically injured in Minneapolis water emergencies this week, authorities warned swimmers and boaters to be extra cautious this weekend.
City beaches have far fewer lifeguards than usual because of COVID-19 cutbacks, Hennepin County Sheriff David Hutchinson said in a news release Friday.
On Tuesday, two men were pulled from the water at Bde Maka Ska’s Thomas Beach by Minneapolis firefighters. Both were taken to HCMC, where one man later died. The second was treated and released.
On Friday, the name of the swimmer who died was released by the Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office. Mickenzie Tyler Martin, 19, of Santa Clara, Calif., died of freshwater drowning Wednesday night, the medical examiner said.
Also Tuesday, a man was pulled from Lake Nokomis by bystanders who administered CPR. He was taken to HCMC, where he remained in stable but critical condition Friday.
On Wednesday, a woman was pulled from the water at Minnehaha Falls and taken to HCMC, where she too was in stable but critical condition Friday.
“We understand the desire to get out on the water during the summer months, but it is critical for people to understand that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most beaches are not staffed by professional lifeguards,” Hutchinson said. “We urge everyone to study basic water safety techniques, especially those who are not strong swimmers or have not had formal swimming training.”
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