Blaine officials have drawn a line in the sand when it comes to expectations for safety and conduct at the city's first public beach, set to open in June at Lakeside Commons.

When it meets next week, the City Council is expected to give final approval to ordinances regarding beach use, addressing questions such as whether dogs are allowed (no), the minimum age for kids' caretakers (16) and whether children can swim with inflatable toys such as water wings (no).

Back in March, the Police Department alerted the Park and Recreation Department that beach rules must be part of city ordinances to be enforced, said the department's director, Jim Kappelhoff.

"You can have all these things happening at a beach," he said. "You wouldn't think about people throwing mud and riding bikes into the water and feeding the waterfowl, all types of different things."

In addition, the Spring Lake Park-Blaine-Mounds View Fire Department made a $13,000 investment in water rescue equipment, including a 12-foot inflatable motorboat, an inflatable banana boat and a stock of life preservers.

In setting rules for the beach, park staff members researched regulations at municipal beaches elsewhere in Minnesota and nationwide.

Kappelhoff chose 22 regulations that seemed most relevant to Blaine's circumstances and took them first to the Park Board, then to the City Council. About 10 of those, mostly pertaining to safety, will be spelled out on signs at the beach; others will be available as part of the City Code.

Some rules are very specific, such as the ones banning fishing, watercraft and soap in the swimming area. Others are more open to interpretation, such as those banning vulgar language, loud noise and "revealing swimwear."

Regarding proper attire, Kappelhoff said he came across one case that spelled out, in painful detail, exactly what swimsuits must not reveal. It definitely was a case of too much information, he said; instead, the city is opting for a looser definition

The new beach will not have a lifeguard. Users will be encouraged to communicate with the park attendant. Park Police also will make regular rounds.

Maria Elena Baca • 612-673-4409