McKinley Beach reopens in time for Memorial Day Weekend

MILWAUKEE (CBS58) -- McKinley Beach is now open to beachgoers just in time for Memorial Day weekend!

The beach's' reopening comes after significant efforts to enhance safety measures. Four years ago, several people drowned at the beach, forcing the beach to close in August of 2020.

According to the CDC, each year, about 4,000 people die from accidental drownings. The Milwaukee County Parks Department's engineering analysis found parts of the beach eroded from two, two and a half feet to around six feet because of sand loss.

Last summer, sand was brought to the beach by the truck load for the restoration and as of right now – the beach sand has been restored.

Park officials also added more safety signs including how to stay safe if you get caught in a rip current.

"If you stay within this area and you don't go beyond the breakwater you will not have to worry about rip currents. If you start really going further out there is a concern. We have made it safe in this pool, safe in this area," said Sheldon Wasserman, County Supervisor and Chair of Milwaukee County Parks and Culture Committee.

If you do get taken out by a rip current, try to remain calm and remember to swim parallel to the shore.

Supervisor Wasserman also said there will not be any lifeguards at Milwaukee County beaches, however the committee is working to fix that.

"Today we don't have lifeguards here, maybe someday in the future we will get guards back. We will first start at Bradford Beach and then move it over here to McKinley beach," Supervisor Wasserman explained.