Faced with a lack of applications for a new beach supervisor, the city of Oconto Falls will probably maintain its beaches without lifeguards this summer with increased signage that people swim at their own risk.
City Administrator Peter Wills told the city council they have been advertising for a beach supervisor since December in various venues. The city was pleased with last year’s supervisor, but she took a full-time job and won’t be available this summer.
“We’ve gotten two more applications for regular lifeguards, but we have not gotten any applications for beach supervisor,” Wills said.
The city’s legal counsel did some research and found a case where a city was found to be immune from liability in a drowning case.
“Even with lifeguards, that doesn’t protect you from someone trying to sue you,” Wills said.
The attorney believed as long as the city has signage and buoys clearly marking the swimming areas at East Side Beach and West Side Beach, it will probably be OK.
The council approved Alderperson Mat McDermid’s motion to set up the swimming areas and raft with additional signage.
“We’ve tried and tried and tried, and every year we’re here in this spot,” McDermid said.
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