Milwaukee teen drowns in Lake Michigan, lifeguard shortage in the spotlight

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — A teen woman from Milwaukee died Monday, Might 23 after rescue crews pulled her from Lake Michigan close to McKinley Marina.

The woman was noticed 30-40 ft exterior the breakwater at round 3:30. Rescue crews do not know the way she obtained there. The water temperature is simply within the higher 40s, dangerously chilly.

The drowning comes as metropolis and county officers warn there can be a scarcity of lifeguards impacting space swimming pools and seashores this summer time.

A hearth captain is worried extra water rescues can be needed.

Captain Joel Rechlitz, Battalion Chief with the Milwaukee Hearth Division, stated, “As soon as the person was positioned on the fireplace boat trident, we started life saving measures.”

Milwaukee hearth boats had been within the water simply eight minutes after getting the 911 name. They positioned the woman two minutes later.

However life-saving measures proved unsuccessful, and he or she grew to become the most recent drowning sufferer. Captain Rechlitz stated, “That is undoubtedly a priority for us, as a result of particularly with Lake Michigan and the historical past right here at McKinley, there are riptides.”

As swimming pools and seashores put together to open, there’s a vital scarcity of lifeguards.

Regardless of vigorous recruiting efforts over the previous six months, Milwaukee County Parks has employed simply 60 lifeguards, far wanting the 200 wanted.

Monday afternoon a bunch of candidates began an categorical coaching session at Pulaski Pool.

Trainee Joseph McEvilly stated, “My dad was a lifeguard, and I really feel like following in his footsteps. He advised me it’s totally severe. Inspired me to return to a few these courses.”

Because of the scarcity, they’ll cram three weeks’ price of coaching into one week, with a closing check Saturday.

Trainee Aiden Connors stated, “I actually need to assist individuals, like within the medical business. So I believed this may very well be my step as much as see what it will be like once I’m older.”

In June, 5 splash pads, 9 wading swimming pools, and 4 out of doors swimming pools will open. However once more this summer time, no lifeguards can be posted at Bradford Seashore.

Lifeguard trainee Areanna Walker stated lifeguarding outside in Lake Michigan is far more difficult. “I commend people who find themselves doing the out of doors lifeguarding, as a result of that may be a step up from this. They’re doing far more intensive coaching than we’re.”

And the McKinley Park seaside will stay closed whereas a research on rip currents continues.

Captain Rechlitz stated, “Folks do not realize what riptides are, and the way harmful they’re, and the way when you get in that cycle you possibly can drown fairly simple.”

The Medical Examiner’s workplace didn’t identify the drowning sufferer however did say an post-mortem would be carried out Tuesday.