Recently, the Cleveland Metroparks discussed their budget and their plans for reform and continuity in the upcoming year; however, my interest was piqued during the public comment section about a different topic.

One commenter asked the Metroparks commissioners about their responses to drowning. Specifically, she mentioned Wallace Lake in Berea, where four people in the last 3 years have died due to drowning. 

I wanted to know what the Metroparks are doing about this issue. What are the Metroparks doing to try to prevent these deaths? I interviewed Jacqueline Gerling, director of communications for the Metroparks, to answer these questions. Her answers are below and have been lightly edited for clarity.

What plans are in place to prevent drowning deaths from occurring this summer?

Cleveland Metroparks offers guarded swimming opportunities at several beaches, in addition to Ledge Pool being open throughout the summer season. It’s recommended that guests only swim during lifeguarded hours, which begin Saturday, June 1. Swimming and beach conditions are updated during guarded swimming hours and can be found at clevelandmetroparks.com/beaches.

Cleveland Metroparks has rules and regulations stated at each swimming location that guests should follow at all times.

All patrons are required to follow Cleveland Metroparks waterfront rules and regulations. For the safety of all patrons, lifeguards will enforce any additional rules deemed necessary. 

Q: How have the Metroparks learned from previous drowning incidents in their history?

Cleveland Metroparks is unique amongst some other Park Districts by offering guarded swimming at its locations. This year, we expect to employ 70-75 lifeguards at Huntington Beach, Wallace Lake, Edgewater Beach, Villa Angela and Ledge Pool (Hinckley Lake Spillway is temporarily closed this summer due to the Hinckley Lake Dam reconstruction). We continue to add multilingual safety signage across swimming locations and illustrate the risks associated with swimming. Leading into the swim season, we communicate swimming locations, guarded hours, and swim safety tips across all of our channels and with Northeast Ohio media. In addition, all of our guarded swim areas have US Coast Guard Approved life jackets available for use while lifeguards are on duty on a first-come, first-served basis. Lifeguards will help ensure guests are properly fitted with the correct size and go over education on proper use of them.

Q: What are some of the ways beachgoers/swimmers can prepare to avoid the risk of drowning in the summertime at the Metroparks?

Here are some swimming tips to stay safe:

• Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards

• Always swim with a buddy, never swim alone

• Never leave children unattended near water

• Inexperienced swimmers should wear U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets

In addition, Cleveland Metroparks is an authorized provider of the American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim Program at Ledge Pool, offering a variety of swim lessons. Registration and more information can be found at clevelandmetroparks.com/swimlessons