Security Guard hired at Atwater Beach following drowning death of 14-year-old boy

Changes coming to a north shore beach after a swimmer drowned last month. It comes amidst a lifeguard shortage this summer. 

In a direct response to the drowning of the 14-year-old boy back in July, officials hired a security guard to help families feel safe. The security guard will now be on duty from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Officials say the guard will be there to enforce beach rules and resolve any problems.

There have been several drownings and close calls in the last few weeks. A 16-year-old drowned at Zoo Beach in Racine a little over a week ago. There was a near drowning at Quarry Lake Park just this past weekend. There were no lifeguards on duty in any of those cases.

Milwaukee County Parks says there weren't enough applicants for lifeguards. Officials in Shorewood want to have some sort of safety net until the end of the summer.

"It was a terrible blow, a terrible shock to everyone. It's the next thing you can do, and we decided to do everything we could to try to make the beach a safe recreational experience for everyone who used it," said Larry Arft, Shorewood Interim Village Manager.

Security Guards will be on duty until the end of Labor Day Weekend. Officials still urge people to swim at their own risk.