Lifeguards fully staffed in Racine, extending coverage at Zoo Beach

 

RACINE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Lifeguard coverage in Racine is being extended at Zoo Beach starting Monday, July 1.

"We could have several hundred to a thousand people throughout a warm day," said Phillip Kiley, City of Racine Recreational Specialist.

Kiley is in charge of Racine's lifeguard program and says right now he has the largest staff he's had in a very long time. 

Lifeguards will be on duty daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. with the schedule remaining in effect at least until the end of July. Previously, lifeguards were on duty from Thursday through Sunday. North Beach will continue to have lifeguards on duty seven days a week.

Racine’s lifeguard program is fully staffed with 17 full-time and nine part-time lifeguards, allowing the expansion.

Kiley says investments from the city for more competitive wages and better safety equipment help fill those positions. He also credits the department's hiring push on social media. 

The expansion comes amid a nationwide lifeguard shortage that has impacted many cities, including the Milwaukee area. Some public pools and beaches have had to close or limit hours due to short staffing of lifeguards. "We haven't always been able to put guards here posted at Zoo Beach," said Kiley.

During the summer of 2021, there were multiple drownings in Lake Michigan. Since then, Racine has upgraded safety equipment and now with better lifeguard coverage, the hope is that crowds will be better protected.

"There is always the potential for danger, even on a low wave day...but when you have lifeguards in place, it really helps to significantly reduce that level because we have people that are trained to respond," Kiley said.

Officials are also reminding beachgoers of rules to be aware of, including that motorboats, wind surfers and floating devices are prohibited in the protected swim area. Also, blocking the area in front of lifeguard chairs, boats, or rescue boards is not allowed.

Swimming is only permitted in the protected area and lifeguards may restrict this area during hazardous conditions. Alcoholic beverages, motorized vehicles, glass containers, fires and pets are banned from the park and beach areas, except within the North Beach Oasis area.

The beach closes at 10 p.m.

Additional information can be found by visiting Racine's PRCS Facebook page.