Our Lifeguards

Our lifeguards perform a variety of tasks on our beaches. They are badge checkers, perform first aid when needed, sell day badges, and are responsible for keeping our beaches clean and safe. Every morning the beach is raked, the swimming area is checked to be safe, the docks and ladders are checked and any playground equipment is also checked for any loose nails and rough edges. Sometimes they need to get stray dogs off the beach and other times there are other animals, such as raccoons, to get off the beach.

Most importantly, the lifeguards watch the swimmers and help, if needed, to keep them safe. Every summer our lifeguards go into the water to assist children who wandered out over their heads and didn't realize it. Of course the number of incidences of this nature is much less than those that occur at our state beaches. It is still nonetheless, an important assist.

Shallow water assists are common due to the uneven terrain at the bottom of the swimming area. Our guards are instructed to go to the dock if there is a swimmer there. This practice saves time to assist tired swimmers or those in need of an assist before it becomes a tragic accident. It is good to know your limitations before you put yourself and the guards at risk.  If this is your first time swimming for the season, swim the length of the beach a few times to see if you can make it to the dock.  The lifeguards will have you turn around if, in their judgment, you appear to be struggling in your swimming ability.

Since the guards are primarily concerned for your safety, some swimming areas may be closed due to a lack of coverage. Usually it is only for a short time, such as 30 minutes or so. It usually occurs because the lifeguards are having their 30-minute lunch break, there is something unsafe at the dock, or swim lessons are going on. Sometimes to our members, it looks as if there are plenty of guards and there is no reason the area should be closed. If there are only two guards on a beach and the water is very busy, the guards are instructed to close the dock. On the larger beaches, we try to have one guard "free" to take care of all the extra jobs we are required to perform. Remember, please be patient. The dock will open after a short period of time.

Please listen to your lifeguards, they are there for your safety. 

Beach Safety

We had some days recently where swim lessons were cancelled due to the weather. If there is thunder, we are required to keep people out of the water for 30 minutes after the last thunder is heard. We also have asked people to leave the beach area or to clear off the lake due to an impending storm that is approaching us. Please listen to the lifeguards and help keep yourself and the guards safe. If you take a sunfish on the lake during a thunderstorm, it is an accident waiting to happen. There is a mast that stands up and can easily attract lightening. You are putting yourself at risk and also the lifeguards who may have to enter the water to help you. Please leave your boats on land and wait out the storm.

Also, don't forget, EVERYONE should be wearing a PFD if you are on a boat.

Swimming Safety

-Always swim with a buddy; never swim alone

- Read and obey all rules and posted signs

- Swim in areas that are supervised by a lifeguard

- Children or inexperienced swimmers should take extra precautions, such as wearing U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket when around water

- Watch out for the "dangerous too's"- too tired, too cold, too far from safety, too much sun, too much strenuous activity

-Set water safety rules for your family based on swimming abilities (for example, inexperienced swimmers should stay in water less than chest deep).

- Be knowledgeable of the water environment you are in and its potential hazards, such as deep and shallow areas, currents, depth changes, obstructions and where the entry and exit points are located. The more informed you are, the more aware you will be of hazards and safe practices.

- Know how to prevent, recognize and respond to emergencies.

- Use a feet first entry when entering the water.

- Enter head first only when the area is clearly marked for diving and has no obstructions.

- Do not mix alcohol with swimming, diving, or boating. Alcohol impairs judgment, balance and coordination, affects your swimming and diving skills and reduces your body's ability to stay warm.

Flotation Devices?

All Swimmers (Toddlers through Seniors) may use flotation devices such as swimmies, rafts tubes, etc. As long as while they are using these devices they stay where they can STAND!

Thanks for your cooperation   H.L.C.C. Water Safety Directors