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Lets clear some things up. The city has been 50% understaffed of lifeguards for quite some time. Many of the lifeguards here in the state are still high school kids so not all of them are "going back to school" . The problem is that the compensation for the job is not nearly adequate for the level of responsibility. These kids have a difficult job and go through a lot of training. They are severely underpaid which is why there is a shortage of guards. Having said that, look at the 4.7 million dollars of tax increases that the city just laid on us. 100% of that money went to raises and bonuses and new positions. The lifeguard pay hasn't changed in years. Maybe they should consider a starting pay for the part time lifeguards at $15/hr. You may get more kids to apply.

As far as the dreadful accident that took place last week. It is tragic and no matter who attempts to pose culpability on whatever party or person, it will not bring back this child. The lifeguards are devastated, and these are really good kids. It is unfortunate that because of politics that beach, as well as others in the city, are clearly understaffed. This is just another example of the penny pinching that takes place while the city is being robbed blind. Given the length of that beach front there should have been 3 guards, an additional facilities manager for rotation of guards and duty breaks, and there should have been (and needs to be), a dedicated swim zone with a roped out area. Refer to Red Cross Standards.

Removing the lifeguards was a ridiculous decision and furthermore, removing them prior to posting signs indicating

"NO LIFEGUARD ON DUTY, SWIM AT OWN RISK, placed the city in a liability predicament. Another example of the incompetence of this administration. Tragic circumstances for all.