Zion officials plan summer beach safety partnerships as longtime public-works director announces retirement

Zion department leaders on May 20 told the City Council they are preparing for a busy summer on the lakefront and plan to coordinate with neighboring agencies for rescue coverage and training. At the same meeting, Director Wayne Roberts announced he will retire May 30 after a long tenure with the city.

Chief Street and Chief Barton both said the city has already responded to water-distress incidents this year and is organizing additional training, rescue swimmers and equipment in coordination with partner agencies, including neighboring Beach Park. "We're expecting another busy summer down on our lakefront," Chief Street said, adding staff hope they "don't need this summer" the extra equipment but are preparing for distressed swimmers and other emergencies.

Council members discussed the longstanding shortage of lifeguards at state-controlled beach areas and noted that placement of lifeguards is made by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for state park property. Chief Street said some neighboring cities and private parks hire lifeguards and that the city hopes to partner with neighbors for weekend coverage at busy times.

"If we as a city could put some pressure on the state and DNR, I would be all for it, to potentially budget for that or plan for it," Chief Street said.

Director Roberts told the council May 20 that the meeting was his last and that he will retire May 30. Colleagues and commissioners offered congratulations and remarks about his long service. One commissioner noted Roberts had served 19 years with the city and 24 years in the military prior to that.

Officials said more details about summer rescue plans and potential partnerships will be discussed at future meetings.