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YORKTOWN, N.Y. - Siding with the old adage of you can't put a price on safety, the Yorktown Town Board has decided to restore money for lifeguards at Sparke Lake.
Last year's board, acting on the recommendation of the Recreation Commission, voted to cut $18,000 for the lifeguards as a cost-saving measure. However, a letter sent to Supervisor Michael Grace from a 6-year-old girl who wrote she enjoyed swimming with her grandmother at the lake and requested lifeguards brought the issue back to the forefront.
Part of the Recreation Commission's rationale in suggesting no lifeguards was the fact some residents swim in the lake after hours, but Councilman Dave Paganelli said lifeguards would provide a watchful eye for mothers who frequent the beach with multiple children.
Parks and Recreation Superintendent Brian Gray said an average of 40 residents a day visited Sparkle Lake last year, where there is no charge.
"Some people like the feel of the sand on their feet, which you don't get at the pools," Gray said. "It's a nice setting."
Sparkle Lake opened June 11 last year but Gray acknowledged since the board just approved the lifeguards it ]likely would be later in June this year before staffing is finalized.
"We're in scramble mode right now," he said. "It's something we'll jump on right away."
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