RACINE, Wisc. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Racine County is responding to recent drownings by expanding lifeguard hours and increasing pay.
Racine County, like the rest of the country, is dealing with a shortage of lifeguards, so the Board of Supervisors raised pay from $12 an hour to $16.
CBS 58 in Milwaukee reported the pay increase comes after three children drowned last month.
"I mean, after hearing drowning after drowning, it's like what can we do?" Racine County Supervisor Kelly Kruse said she hopes the extra $4 an hour will make a difference. "If they're willing to make that drive to make that extra money."
Public Works Development Services Director Julie Anderson said a lot of public pools aren’t' able to open right now because of the shortage of lifeguards.
Some swimmers said it's a good idea raising the pay.
"I mean, that is a pretty big increase. They do have a big responsibility so it's kind of understandable for them to be paid a bit more," beach-goer Tristan Sharon said.
Some municipalities and pools have had difficulty finding lifeguards with pay at nearly $20 an hour.
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