Kingsford council votes to remove Cowboy Lake raft and discontinue lifeguards after insurer warning

Kingsford City Council voted unanimously on March 16 to discontinue lifeguards and remove the raft at the designated swimming area on Cowboy Lake after the city’s insurer flagged safety and maintenance concerns.

City Manager Michael Stelmaszek presented the insurer’s written advisement from MMRMA agent Chris Katona, quoting that he “would agree with the personnel committee’s initial assessment to remove the raft as this is a liability risk for the city if something were to happen along with potential continued maintenance (rusty nails, rotten wood, faulty floatation, slips/trips, etc.).” Based on that advisement, Stelmaszek asked the council to discontinue lifeguards and the raft and to install appropriate signage.

Council discussion acknowledged trade-offs between child recreation and liability risk. Council Member Cynthia Dixon-Miller said she did not like the idea of removing the raft for children who swim there but understood the need. Council Member Daniel Freeman noted increased kayaking activity at Cowboy Lake and suggested the city could consider future changes to support that use. The motion to discontinue lifeguards and the raft was moved by Michael Flaminio, seconded by Cynthia Dixon-Miller, and carried unanimously.

The action is procedural rather than regulatory: the council voted to end the city-provided lifeguard service and remove the raft; the city indicated it will install signage notifying users. The minutes do not specify an implementation date or whether the city will pursue alternative safety measures or programming for swimmers.