Pictured, from left, Warsaw Parks Maintenance Director Shaun Gardner and Parks Superintendent Larry Plummer.

WARSAW —  The shortage of area lifeguards was discussed at the Warsaw Parks & Recreation Board meeting Tuesday, May 15.

Recreation Director Sheila Wieringa informed board members that the parks department is still in need of lifeguards. Although they generally employ 12-15 lifeguards, they currently have only seven.

“We’re about half staffed,” said Warsaw Parks Superintendent Larry Plummer.

The shortage of lifeguards has led to a modified beach schedule. The beaches will not be closed, but there will be periods of time when the beaches will not be guarded and residents will have to swim at their own risk. 

The tentative schedule shows that no lifeguards will be on duty at either beach on Mondays or Tuesdays; both lakes will be guarded on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; on weekends, only one beach will be staffed with lifeguards. 

“We aren’t the only ones struggling with finding lifeguards. The YMCA, Winona Lake, no one is able to have a full staff of lifeguards,” said Plummer. “The beaches won’t be closed, but signs will be posted that it is swim at your own risk, just like it is after hours when our lifeguards go off duty at 6 – people swim after that, but they are swimming at their own risk.”

Anyone interested in a seasonal lifeguard position should contact the Warsaw Parks Department online or by calling (574) 372-9554.

In his monthly maintenance report, Maintenance Director Shaun Gardner said new swinging benches have been installed around Pike Lake, one at the beach and two along the lakeshore at the campgrounds. Construction on the shelter at Rotary Park has started. This will be an ongoing process and will be worked on as time is available. 

Gardner said they have completed planting of flowers in the downtown area and have been busy mowing park properties, delivering tables and cleaning shelters and rental facilities. 

Wieringa announced that the winners of the local star search contest were Pick Slide and Mason Dixon Line. Pick Slide will open for Night Ranger in Central Park Friday, June 15, at the Rockin’ Concert for Riley. Mason Dixon Line will open for Jerrod Niemann on Friday, July 20. According to Wieringa, over 25 entries were received. 

Other News:

• Board members approved a request by Willie 103.5 for the annual Willie Chili Dog Days. The free chili dog lunches will be offered at Central Park, Warsaw, pending date availability, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 16, June 20, July 18, Aug. 15 and Sept. 19.
• The Central Park Master Plan was approved by the Board of Works.
• The fence has been replaced at the Fireman’s Building.
• The next regular meeting will be held at 5:15 p.m. Tuesday, June 12. The June meeting was switched from the third Tuesday of the month to the second Tuesday due to the fact that budgets have to be submitted to the clerk by June 15.