Residents enjoy holiday at beach despite safety concerns

MILWAUKEE (CBS58) -- A hot day on the beach is an experience some Wisconsinites will not pass up, even if it means swimming at their own risk.

"It's really nice. It's a good turnout [at the beach]. I'm happy that everyone is out here having a good time with family and friends," Milwaukee resident Ashley Watkins said.

Watkins joined hundreds of people on Bradford Beach on Monday for a warm day under the sun. Even though no lifeguards are on duty, Watkins said she wanted to bring her 4-year-old nephew to enjoy Lake Michigan.

"I get worried at times, but I make sure I keep a good eye on him. He has his life preserver vest, so if we do go dip our feet in the water, it's cool, but I make sure he doesn't go too far," she said.

One concern on the beach is rip currents. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) describes them as powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water that are prevalent along the east, gulf, and west coasts of the U.S. and along the shores of the Great Lakes.

One family visiting from the Madison area tells CBS 58 they love Bradford Beach, but lifeguards patrolling the shoreline is something they would like to see.

"We need to stay looking at our son 100% of the time and be close to avoid any problems, yeah, of course. But it would be good if the city could put a water guard here for us," Sun Prairie resident Thiago Gomes said.

Many out on Monday were not planning to swim in the water, like Milwaukee resident Felix Rodriguez. Rodriguez said he visited the beach to make the most of his day off and enjoy the nice weather.

"Just really enjoying the best of summer, especially when you're just locked up in your house the entirety of winter and spring, here in Milwaukee," he said.

If you are headed to the beach to swim and are concerned about potential rip currents or strong waves, you can check the beach forecast for the county at weather.gov.

Milwaukee County parks have beach ambassadors that give beachgoers crucial information about water safety, but they are only at the beach Thursday through Sunday.