No Lifeguards To Be Staffed At Atwater Beach in Summer 2017

SHOREWOOD, WI — The Village of Shorewood today announced that there will be no lifeguards on duty at Atwater Beach this summer. The Village will take extra precautions to promote safety and encourages beach swimmers to use vigilance.

The Village of Shorewood did evaluate other options but determined that the most feasible solution this year was to return to its previous ‘swim at your own risk’ policy that is used by most Wisconsin beaches. Village DPW staff will post ‘swim at your own risk’ signage around the beach and Shorewood police will make multiple daily checks to reinforce safety for beach users.

How to Help:
For more information on how to apply and receive training for a lifeguard position, visit shorewoodrecreation.org or call 414.963.6913 x4.

In 2012, Shorewood began providing several lifeguards at Atwater Beach during the third weekend of June to the third weekend of August every day from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. These lifeguards have been staffed by Milwaukee County Parks who provide specific waterfront and beach training and certification. This year, Milwaukee County Parks received fewer applications for lifeguard positions and will staff the county’s two water parks, eleven public swimming pools and Bradford Beach, but are unable to provide lifeguard resources to other communities like Shorewood.

Beach swimming safety tips:

Check the forecast and monitor current conditions before you swim

Check the current swim risk status at weather.gov/Greatlakes/beach hazards

When waves are high – stay dry. Higher waves lead to dangerous currents

Don’t fight a current – swim to the side of the current before heading back to shore

Image via Milwaukee County parks