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Commission keeps 'swim at your own risk' for now; discusses lifeguards, water testing and licensing
Summary
After discussion about lifeguard staffing and potential licensing for town-run programs, the commission left lake access at 'swim at your own risk' for this year while directing staff to compile cost estimates and consult the board of selectmen about licensing and capital repairs (playground surfacing, fencing) needed for a licensed program.
The commission returned to a recurring issue: lifeguard staffing, lake access and whether the town should pursue licensing for some recreation programs. For the immediate season the commission agreed to maintain last year’s status: swim-at-your-own-risk with signs posted.
Commissioners discussed that the health department tests lake water weekly and will notify town staff if water-quality action is required. Members also weighed the tradeoffs of pursuing a licensed program: licensing could open access to grant programs and portal-based assistance like Care for Kids but might trigger capital costs such as playground surfacing repairs and fencing at sites the town does not own. Several commissioners said those potential costs and the town’s prior public opposition to licensing require a careful analysis before pursuing any change.
The commission directed staff to gather cost estimates and discuss licensing implications with the board of selectmen; no change to lifeguard or lake-access policy was adopted at this meeting.
