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Galesburg aldermen discuss removal of Lake Storey lifeguards

Galesburg administration has recommended that aldermen remove lifeguards from Lake Storey Beach.

Last night was the first reading for this item that would turn the beach into a “swim at your own risk” facility.

City Manager Todd Thompson says this would save the city about $39,000 a year but the primary reason for the move is safety not cost saving.

Director of Parks and Recreation Tony Oligney-Estill tells WGIL his concern is that once guards are open water certified they often don’t work the beach often enough to keep their skills sharp.

“Our guards can go two weeks or more without ever guarding the beach,” Oligney-Estill says. “Plus they lack the continual training throughout the season so I really feel that they are inadequately prepared to deal with any emergencies or problems that could arise.”

He adds that Lakeside Aquatic Center would be free for the public two days a month in the summer and the concession stand and boat rentals at the beach would still be open on weekends and holidays between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

City Attorney Brad Nolden says city liability for swimmers could be mitigated by proper signage.

In other business, aldermen agreed to let the Western Illinois Regional Council apply for a grant that could give Galesburg $400,000 to put towards repairs of older homes in town.

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