Staff photo by Fritz Busch Lexie Gifford, left, and Cassandra Gifford of Cottonwood take a dip in the Flandrau State Park swim pond Friday.

NEW ULM — Just in time for a 90-degree heat wave Saturday, the Flandrau State Park swimming pond reopened Friday.

More than 100 adults and children visited the sand-bottom pond Friday including Lexie and Cassandra Gifford of Cottonwood.

“We came here for the first time to camp and meet other family members,” said Lexie Gifford. “We didn’t know the swim pond was here. It’s a great additional benefit.”

Pond hours are limited to noon to 6 p.m. Thursday through Sunday due to lifeguard availability. The pond will be closed Sunday, June 7 due to lack of lifeguards.

Individuals wishing to apply for state park lifeguard jobs are encouraged to visit careers.mn.gov and apply as an external applicant or call 507-233-1264.

The sand-bottom pond is chlorinated and maintains a consistent maximum depth of seven feet throughout the season. Average pond depth is 5 feet.

Lifeguards are on duty whenever the swim pond is open through the third Sunday in August.

Adults must accompany children ages six and under when they enter the water. Children ages 7-13 may enter the water as long as an adult is watching them from the water or beach. Infants must wear swim diapers, which may be available at the ranger station.

No rafts, wings, tubes, noodles, kickboards or other “floaties” are allowed in the pond. Life jackets may be rented at the ranger station.

Pets are not allowed in the fenced swim pond area or in any state park buildings including the beach house. Pets may not be left in vehicles.

Food and beverages are not allowed in the water. Glass containers must be kept outside the pond sidewalk.

ATVs and golf carts are not allowed on park roads or trails.

Other nearby state park events are scheduled this weekend.

Fort Ridgely State Park, located in the Minnesota River valley 19 miles northwest of Flandrau State Park, hosts a nature hike Saturday, June 6. Participants meet at Fort Ridgely State Park chalet at 3 p.m. for an hour-long walk led by a naturalist.

Hands-on archery instruction from certified instructors is scheduled for 1-3 p.m. Sunday. Meet in the Fort Ridgely Upper Picnic area. Children age 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult. All equipment is provided.

Trails including an overlook with exceptional views are available. Historic buildings built by the Civilian Conservation Crops and Veteran Conservation Corps include an information kiosk detailing their work can be found in the picnic area.

The Minnesota Historical Society manages the Fort Ridgely historic site that is open daily for self-guided tours. State park hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.