11-8-17 lifeguard age bill

The Fond du Lac Recreation director says she has mixed feelings about a bill that would lower the minimum age to work as a lifeguard from 16 to 15.    Renee Wagner says the bottom line is making sure lifeguards are properly trained and physically fit to be a lifeguard.  “So the big thing is, supportive, yes, hesitation also.  I guess what it comes down to is really how you train these younger kids,”  Wagner told WFDL news.  Wagner says the Recreation Department hires about 65 to 70 lifeguards for the summer to work at both outdoor swimming pools and the indoor pool.  “What we’re seeing more and more is the college kids are starting internships earlier.  They are trying to find jobs within their field,”  Wagner said.   Wagner says maturity level  is also a factor.  Under the proposal, 15 year olds would have to successfully complete a  life-saving course and an adult would have to be on the premises at the same time.   The bill is supported by Wisconsin Dells water parks and the state’s tourism industry.