Lifeguards Cut At at Windsor Lake

A popular area for swimming in the summer no longer has lifeguards because of budget cuts.

The Berkshire Eagle  reports the decision to eliminate city-paid lifeguards at Windsor Lake was criticized by members of the city's Finance Committee last week.

"Nobody knew about this," said Rebecca Cohen, member of the City Council and the Finance Committee. "I think it makes people less safe."

Administrative officer Michael Canales told the committee at its meeting Wednesday that the cuts were needed to improve the operation, noting that state regulations would have required duties that would have been duplicated by other lifeguards who are employed by the various camps that use the lake. He also added that other such municipal swimming areas have taken similar actions.

She said she wanted the funding restored "for the safety of the children."