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Weyauwega council orders immediate removal of swim-lake inflatable over safety concerns
Summary
After Swim Lake Director Tim Potratz described visibility and staffing issues with inflatables, Council member Meta Berg urged immediate removal; the council voted to remove the problematic inflatable and address replacement with the vendor.
The Weyauwega Common Council voted June 17 to remove an inflatable attraction at the city swim lake after staff reported the device interfered with lifeguard visibility and required additional staffing.
Swim Lake Director Tim Potratz told the council the inflatables have been popular but cause operational problems: guards must constantly reposition them and the devices require more lifeguards to monitor both sides. Potratz said evening lessons are down because many children attend summer-school lessons; daytime attendance and lesson enrollment remain consistent. Council member Meta Berg said she wanted the piece of equipment removed immediately for liability reasons. Council member Pat Gorchals moved to remove the inflatable; Council member Chris Gunderson seconded the motion, which carried with five ayes and zero nays.
Council and staff discussed replacing the piece of equipment with the vendor once it is removed. Potratz also highlighted that the new flat splash pad addition has been a positive addition this season.
Next steps: staff will remove the inflatable immediately and work with the vendor on a replacement option that addresses lifeguard sight-lines and life-jacket use.
