Water safety events set this week on Park Point

The cool waters of Lake Superior can be a tempting way to beat this summer’s record heat, but the big lake’s waterfront also poses some risk.

Two events are set this week to help spread the word of water safety, especially on the beach.

The National Weather Service-sponsored Water Safety Expo will be held at the Park Point Beach House, 5000 Minnesota Ave., on Thursday, with events running from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

There’s a sand modeling contest — bring your own shovels and pails — and other activities sponsored by the Duluth YMCA. Vendors and sponsors include the Northland Red Cross, YMCA Life Guards, Amateur Radio Club, Duluth Fire Department, UMD Rec Sports Outdoor Program, Power Squadron, Minnesota Sea Grant, Essentia Health and Wisconsin Sea Grant.

Meanwhile, a Water Safety Rescue Class is set for Saturday at 9:30 a.m., also at the Park Point Beach House. The event is free and open to the public and is aimed at teaching practical ways to survive rip currents and other Lake Superior conditions.

The class is sponsored by the Duluth Fire Department and the Third Coast Ocean Force Great Lakes Surf project. To reserve a seat, call Dave Benjamin at (708) 903-0166.

For more information on weather, water and safety conditions on the Park Point beach — including rip current danger — go to parkpointbeach.org.

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