Lakefront Operations Manual PDF (2024)

LAKEFRONT OPERATIONS MANUAL 2024 CITY OF EVANSTON EVANSTON FIRE DEPARTMENT PARKS & RECREATION HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT 909 LAKE ST, EVANSTON, IL 2100 RIDGE AVE, EVANSTON, IL Introduction to the City of Evanston................................................................................................................. 5 City of Evanston Mission Statement..........................................................................................................5 Parks and Recreation Department Mission Statement..............................................................................5 Vision Statement....................................................................................................................................... 5 Organizational Values................................................................................................................................5 City of Evanston Departments...................................................................................................................5 City of Evanston Seasonal Employee Policies.......................................................................................... 5 Chapter 1: Lakefront Employment and Staff Resources.................................................................................6 Section 1- Employment Requirements & General Qualifications.................................................................... 6 1.1 Pre-Employment Testing & Certification.............................................................................................. 6 1.2 Staff Availability................................................................................................................................... 7 Section 2 - Schedules, Attendance & Trade Shifts..........................................................................................7 2.1 Payroll Calendar.................................................................................................................................. 7 2.2 Attendance Policy & Shift Trades........................................................................................................ 7 Section 3 - Lakefront Staff Cell Phone Use Policy.......................................................................................... 7 Section 4 - Disciplinary Action.........................................................................................................................8 4.1 Employee Policy.................................................................................................................................. 8 4.2 Disciplinary Action Levels....................................................................................................................8 Section 5 - Staff Mental and Physical Wellbeing........................................................................................... 11 5.1 Lifeguard Health................................................................................................................................ 11 5.2 Injury.................................................................................................................................................. 11 5.3 Skin Cancer....................................................................................................................................... 12 5.4 Mental Health.................................................................................................................................... 13 Chapter 2: Lakefront Beaches & Facilities..................................................................................................... 14 Section 1 - Swimming Beaches...............................................................................................................14 1.1 Lighthouse Beach (2611 Sheridan Rd - Just north of Central St. on Sheridan Rd.)..........................14 1.2 Clark St. Beach (1811 Sheridan Rd - Clark St. and Sheridan Rd.)................................................... 15 1.3 Greenwood Beach (1401 Sheridan Rd - Greenwood St. and Sheridan Rd)..................................... 15 1.4 Lee St. Beach (1111 Lake Shore Blvd - Lee St. and Greenleaf St)................................................... 15 1.5 South Boulevard Beach (525 Sheridan Square – near Sheridan square and off of Sheridan road). 15 1.6 Beach Passes....................................................................................................................................16 1.7 Beach Accessibility............................................................................................................................17 Section 2 – Lakefront Offices........................................................................................................................ 17 2.1 Dempster St. Beach Office (1251 Lakeshore Blvd - All the way East on Dempster)........................ 18 2.2 Clark St. Beach Office (1811 Sheridan Rd - Clark St. and Sheridan Rd.)......................................... 18 2.3 Contact Numbers...............................................................................................................................18 Section 3 – Launch Facilities and the Dog Beach.........................................................................................18 3.1 The Dog Beach..................................................................................................................................18 3.2 The Church St. Boat Ramp............................................................................................................... 18 3.3 The Dempster St. Sailing Beach....................................................................................................... 19 Section 4 – Unguarded Waterfront Area....................................................................................................... 19 4.1 North of Lighthouse........................................................................................................................... 19 4.2 South of Lighthouse...........................................................................................................................19 4.3 Northwestern University Swimming Beach (Lincoln Street Beach)................................................... 19 4.4 Northwestern University Sailing.........................................................................................................19 4.5 Rocklines........................................................................................................................................... 19 Section 5 – Park Areas..................................................................................................................................20 5.1 Lighthouse Landing........................................................................................................................... 20 5.1a Fire Circle.................................................................................................................................. 20 5.2 Centennial Park................................................................................................................................. 20 5.3 The Arrington Lagoon........................................................................................................................20 5.4 Dawes Park....................................................................................................................................... 20 5.5 Elliot Park.......................................................................................................................................... 20 5.6 Clark Square Park............................................................................................................................. 20 5.7 Garden Park...................................................................................................................................... 20 Section 6 - Parking........................................................................................................................................ 21 6.1 Employee parking..............................................................................................................................21 6.2 Public Lakefront Parking....................................................................................................................21 Section 7 – Lakefront Programs....................................................................................................................21 7.1 Aquatic Camps.................................................................................................................................. 21 7.2 Non-Lakefront Camps....................................................................................................................... 22 7.3 Lakefront Programs........................................................................................................................... 22 Section 8 – Rules and Regulations............................................................................................................... 23 8.1 Patron Beach Regulations.................................................................................................................23 8.2 Dog Beach Regulations.....................................................................................................................24 8.3 Church St. Regulations......................................................................................................................25 8.4 Dempster St. Beach Facility Regulations.......................................................................................... 26 Chapter 2: Equipment....................................................................................................................................... 30 Section 1 - Personal Equipment....................................................................................................................30 1.1 Uniform.............................................................................................................................................. 30 1.2 Sunglasses........................................................................................................................................ 30 1.3 Cold Weather Gear............................................................................................................................30 1.4 Food/Water........................................................................................................................................30 1.5 Sunscreen......................................................................................................................................... 30 1.6 Protective Equipment - Lifeguard Related Positions, Camp, and Sailing..........................................31 1.7 Personal Property..............................................................................................................................31 Section 2 - Daily Equipment Equipment Checked-Out from Beach Office....................................................32 2.1 Two-Way Radios............................................................................................................................... 32 2.2 Shack Key......................................................................................................................................... 32 2.3 Cell Phones....................................................................................................................................... 32 2.4 Tablet................................................................................................................................................. 32 Section 3 - Beach Equipment........................................................................................................................32 3.1 Rescue Tubes................................................................................................................................... 32 3.2 Spinal Board/Backboard....................................................................................................................32 3.3 Rescue Board & Rescue Paddle Boards.......................................................................................... 32 3.4 Signs..................................................................................................................................................32 3.5 First Aid Box...................................................................................................................................... 33 3.6 Megaphone........................................................................................................................................33 3.7 Binoculars..........................................................................................................................................33 3.8 AED................................................................................................................................................... 33 3.9 Mask/Fins.......................................................................................................................................... 33 3.10 Rescue Can.....................................................................................................................................33 3.11 Beach Warning Flags………………………………………………………………………………………33 Section 4 - Rescue and Recreational Motorboats.........................................................................................33 4.1 Marine 21...........................................................................................................................................33 4.2 445.....................................................................................................................................................34 4.3 436.....................................................................................................................................................34 4.4 431.....................................................................................................................................................34 4.5 427.....................................................................................................................................................34 4.6 Vessel Operations Protocol............................................................................................................... 34 Chapter 3: Communication.............................................................................................................................. 34 Section 1 - Addressing the Public from the Chair..........................................................................................35 1.1 Using your Voice or the Megaphone................................................................................................. 35 1.2 Using your Whistle.............................................................................................................................35 1.3 Ask for help from another Guard or Manager....................................................................................35 Section 2 - Guarding Signals.........................................................................................................................35 2.1 Whistle Signals.................................................................................................................................. 35 Section 3 - Hand Signals...............................................................................................................................36 Section 4 - Addressing the Public Face to Face........................................................................................... 36 Section 5 - Lakefront Radio Communications............................................................................................... 37 5.1 Radio Channels - Call Signs/Radio Identifier.................................................................................... 37 5.2 Radio Terminology.............................................................................................................................38 5.3 Receiver Sender Model..................................................................................................................... 38 5.4 Radio Use Procedures...................................................................................................................... 38 5.5 Four Golden Rules of Radio Communication.................................................................................... 39 5.6 General Radio Guidelines................................................................................................................. 39 5.7 Call a Medical Emergency.................................................................................................................39 5.8 Calling in a Police Matter...................................................................................................................40 5.9 Calling in a Missing Person............................................................................................................... 40 5.10 Calling in a Water Rescue Response..............................................................................................40 5.11 Codes.............................................................................................................................................. 41 Section 6 - Phone Procedures...................................................................................................................... 41 6.1 Emergency Phone Procedures..........................................................................................................41 Section 7 - Supervisors Radio Protocol.........................................................................................................41 Section 8 - Marine Radio Protocol.................................................................................................................41 8.1 Procedure.......................................................................................................................................... 42 8.2 Marine Radio Etiquette...................................................................................................................... 42 Chapter 4: Lakefront Personnel.......................................................................................................................43 Section 1 - Lakefront Employment & Organizational Chart...........................................................................43 Chain of Command..................................................................................................................................43 1.1 Beach Office Manager & Assistant Manager.....................................................................................43 1.2 Gate Attendants.................................................................................................................................43 1.3 Lifeguards..........................................................................................................................................43 1.4 Beach Managers............................................................................................................................... 44 1.5 Lifeguard Supervisors........................................................................................................................44 1.6 Lifeguard Coordinator........................................................................................................................44 1.7 Camp Directors & Assistant Directors............................................................................................... 44 1.8 Aquatics Camp Counselors............................................................................................................... 44 1.9 Sailing Center Director & Assistant Directors.................................................................................... 44 1.10 Sailing Staff..................................................................................................................................... 44 1.11 Substitutes....................................................................................................................................... 44 Section 2 – Schedules...................................................................................................................................44 Section 3 – Roll Call...................................................................................................................................... 45 Section 4 - Training....................................................................................................................................... 45 4.1 Roll call in-service..............................................................................................................................45 4.2 Daily Beach In-service.......................................................................................................................45 4.3 Skills Testing - Mock Drownings........................................................................................................ 45 Section 5 – Position Expectations................................................................................................................. 47 Section 6 – Setting up and Opening the Swimming Beaches....................................................................... 47 6.1 Early Shift Swimming Beach Preparation..........................................................................................47 6.2 Setting up the Gate Area................................................................................................................... 48 6.3 Open Beach.......................................................................................................................................48 Section 7 - During Shift................................................................................................................................. 48 7.1 Guarding Rotations and Positions..................................................................................................... 48 7.2 Late Shift Lifeguards Beach Arrival................................................................................................... 50 7.3 Leaving the Beach (Early Shift)......................................................................................................... 50 Section 8 - Closing the Beach....................................................................................................................... 50 8.1 Closing and Dismissal – Guards and Managers............................................................................... 50 8.2 Closing and Dismissal – Gate........................................................................................................... 50 8.3 Beach or Water Closure.................................................................................................................... 51 Section 9 - Supervisors Daily Tasks.............................................................................................................. 51 9.1 Opening Supervisors:........................................................................................................................ 51 9.2 Training Supervisor - (if one is scheduled)........................................................................................ 52 9.3 Closing shift....................................................................................................................................... 52 Section 10 – Supervisor Semi-daily Tasks.................................................................................................... 53 Section 11 – Responding to Codes............................................................................................................... 53 Chapter 5: Weather & Water Conditions......................................................................................................... 54 Section 1 - Weather.......................................................................................................................................54 1.1 Sun.................................................................................................................................................... 54 1.2 Thunderstorms.................................................................................................................................. 54 1.3 Wind.................................................................................................................................................. 55 1.4 Seiches..............................................................................................................................................55 1.5 Waterspouts...................................................................................................................................... 55 1.6 Fog.................................................................................................................................................... 56 1.7 Temperature...................................................................................................................................... 56 Section 2 – Bathymetry and Structure...........................................................................................................56 2.1 Sandbars........................................................................................................................................... 56 2.2 Inshore Holes.................................................................................................................................... 56 2.3 Breakwalls/Breakwaters.................................................................................................................... 57 2.4 On Land Dangers.............................................................................................................................. 57 Section 3 - Wave and Water Conditions........................................................................................................57 3.1 Wave Formation................................................................................................................................ 57 3.2 Wave Propagation............................................................................................................................. 58 3.3 Breaking Waves................................................................................................................................ 58 3.4 Wave Hazards................................................................................................................................... 58 Section 4 - Currents...................................................................................................................................... 59 4.1 Longshore Current.............................................................................................................................59 4.2 Structural Currents............................................................................................................................ 59 4.3 Rip Currents...................................................................................................................................... 60 4.4 Outlet Current.................................................................................................................................... 60 4.5 Channel Current................................................................................................................................ 60 Chapter 6: Scanning and Surveillance (Lifeguards)...................................................................................... 61 Section 1 - Drowning Statistics......................................................................................................................61 1.1 Children............................................................................................................................................. 61 1.2 Drowning Risks Vary by Race and Household Income..................................................................... 61 1.3 Drowning Factors.............................................................................................................................. 61 Section 2 - Proper Surveillance.....................................................................................................................62 2.1 Scanning............................................................................................................................................62 2.2 Areas of Responsibility...................................................................................................................... 62 2.3 Principles of Scanning....................................................................................................................... 63 2.4 How to Scan...................................................................................................................................... 64 2.5 MOB 8............................................................................................................................................... 64 2.6 Strategic Scanning............................................................................................................................ 65 2.7 Scanning and the Senses..................................................................................................................65 Section 3 - Recognition and Assessment......................................................................................................66 3.1 Dry Land Observations......................................................................................................................66 3.2 Drowning Presentations.................................................................................................................... 67 3.3 In Water Observations.......................................................................................................................68 3.4 Characteristics of Distressed Swimmers and Drowning Victims....................................................... 69 Section 4 – Maintaining Vigilance................................................................................................................. 69 Section 5 - The Pathophysiology of Drowning.............................................................................................. 70 Section 6 - Sudden Submersion Syndrome.................................................................................................. 71 Section 7 - Hypoxic Blackout.........................................................................................................................72 Section 8 - Delayed Effects of a Drowning.................................................................................................... 72 Section 9 - Release of Drowning Victims from Care..................................................................................... 72 Section 10 – Vessels in Distress................................................................................................................... 72 10.1 Kayaks/Canoes............................................................................................................................... 72 10.2 Sailboats/sailboards/windsurfers..................................................................................................... 73 10.3 Motorized vessel..............................................................................................................................73 Chapter 7: Rescues, Assists and EAP’s......................................................................................................... 74 Section 1 - Water Rescue..............................................................................................................................74 1.1 Recognize and Respond................................................................................................................... 74 1.2 Contact and Control...........................................................................................................................74 1.3 Signal and Save................................................................................................................................ 74 1.4 Water Rescue Fundamentals............................................................................................................ 74 1.5 Water Rescue Emergency Action Plan............................................................................................. 75 1.5a Primary Rescuer........................................................................................................................75 1.5b Secondary Guard...................................................................................................................... 75 Water Rescue Emergency Action Plan................................................................................................... 76 Section 2 - Missing Person............................................................................................................................78 2.1 Missing Person Emergency Action Plan............................................................................................78 2.2 Shallow Water Search....................................................................................................................... 79 2.3 Deep Water Line Search................................................................................................................... 80 2.4 Determining the Emergency Search Period...................................................................................... 81 2.5 Search............................................................................................................................................... 81 2.6 Code X...............................................................................................................................................81 2.7 The Three General Search Methods................................................................................................. 81 2.8 Recovery of a viable victim................................................................................................................82 Section 3 – Special Rescues.........................................................................................................................82 3.1 Multiple Person Rescue.....................................................................................................................82 3.2 Rescues without Equipment.............................................................................................................. 82 3.3 Rock-line Rescue.............................................................................................................................. 83 3.4 Offshore Spinal Protocol....................................................................................................................84 3.5 Diver Rescue..................................................................................................................................... 86 3.6 Suicide Attempts................................................................................................................................87 3.7 Sand Collapse................................................................................................................................... 87 Section 4 - First Aid/Injury............................................................................................................................. 88 4.1 First Aid/Injury Emergency Action Plan............................................................................................. 88 4.2 First Aid/CPR Guidelines...................................................................................................................89 Section 5 - Lakefront Water Response Team / EFD Search & Rescue.........................................................93 5.1 Emergency Notification......................................................................................................................93 Section 6 - Active Threat Procedure............................................................................................................. 93 Chapter 7: City Code Appendix...................................................................................................................... 96 Introduction to the City of Evanston City of Evanston Mission Statement The City of Evanston is committed to promoting the highest quality of life for all residents by providing fiscally sound, responsible municipal services and delivering those services equitably, professionally, and with the highest degree of integrity. Parks and Recreation Department Mission Statement The Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department is committed to enhancing the quality of life of all citizens by providing collaborative opportunities for our community to grow, learn, create and play. Vision Statement Creating the most livable city in America. Organizational Values Excellent Customer Service Continuous Improvement Integrity Accountability City of Evanston Departments Administrative Services: https://www.cityofevanston.org/government/administrative-services City Clerk’s Office: https://www.cityofevanston.org/government/city-clerk-4867 City Manager’s Office: https://www.cityofevanston.org/government/departments/city-manager-s-office Community Development: https://www.cityofevanston.org/government/community-development Fire: https://www.cityofevanston.org/government/departments/fire Health & Human Services: https://www.cityofevanston.org/government/departments/health-human-services Law: https://www.cityofevanston.org/government/departments/law Library: https://www.epl.org/ Parks and Recreation: https://www.cityofevanston.org/residents/parks-rec Police: https://www.cityofevanston.org/government/departments/police Public Works: https://www.cityofevanston.org/government/departments/public-works City of Evanston Seasonal Employee Policies See the City of Evanston Seasonal Employee Manual for the following policies: Employee Conduct and Dress Code Employee Ethics Ordinance Mandated Reporter Sexual Harassment Policy Payroll Schedule Drug and Alcohol Policy Employee Customer Service Policy Workplace Violence Employee Social Media Policy and Internet Weapons-Free Workplace Policy Use Injuries and Illness on the Job Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Performance Evaluation and Eligibility for Healthy Workplace Policy Rehire Information 5 Chapter 1: Lakefront Employment and Staff Resources This section outlines general employment requirements for lifeguards as well as lakefront staff policies and health/wellness resources that are offered by the city as well as local and national resources Section 1- Employment Requirements & General Qualifications Lifeguard applications will be reviewed by Evanston Fire Department and Parks & Recreation to determine if the minimum requirements have been met by applicants. Applicants will be formally interviewed and then invited to complete employment testing and training. Applicants must be at least 16 years old to apply. 1.1 Pre-Employment Testing & Certification All lifeguard applicants, including managers, supervisors, lifeguard coordinators, sailing staff and aquatic camp staff, are required to show competence in the following areas: Health & Fitness Assessment: Prior to assignment, each lifeguard must demonstrate that they possess adequate vision, hearing acuity, physical ability, and stamina to perform the duties of an open water lifeguard. This will be scheduled for each applicant prior to employment through the City of Evanston Human Resource Department. Each applicant will undergo vision and hearing tests prior to further training through the Evanston Fire Department Lifeguard Academy. Lifeguard Academy: Successful completion of a Lifeguard Academy is required for all lifeguard staff each year of their employment. Staff must be present for all days of their assigned Academy. Requirements include, but are not limited to: Completion and Passing of the American Red Cross Lifeguard/CPR/AED course; Passing the Evanston Lakefront Manual written exam; Showing the ability to complete all required physical training and necessary lifeguard skills at a high level. Swimming Assessment: Swimming assessment will take place annually, prior to completing lifeguard training. Lifeguard Academy Swim Test to be completed in a pool including but not limited to: Current American Red Cross Lifeguard Prerequisite Swim Test Swim 25 yards submerged underwater swim To be completed in under 5 minutes: 150-yard front-crawl/freestyle immediately followed by a 50-yard swim while carrying a 10-pound swimmer brick Deep Water Tread for 2 minutes with no arms Medical Aid Certification: All lifeguards shall be currently certified as having successfully completed the American Red Cross Adult and Pediatric First Aid course during initial training within the Evanston Fire Department Lifeguard Academy. Additional medical/first aid training will be provided daily during (“roll-call”) provided by the Evanston Fire Department EMS Division to meet and exceed the 21-hour recommendation set forth by the USLA guidelines. CPR Certification: All lifeguards shall be currently certified as having successfully completed the American Red Cross Adult and Pediatric CPR course. Failure to meet the above criteria will disqualify applicants from the lifeguard position. If this is the case, a different lakefront position may be offered to them at the discretion of the Lakefront Coordinator. 6 1.2 Staff Availability All employees should expect to work Juneteenth, 4th of July, and Labor Day unless otherwise approved by the Lifeguard Coordinator(s) or the Lakefront Coordinator. Staff are expected to work as late into the season as their school schedule allows. Staff will be asked to provide their last day of work for the season. Section 2 - Schedules, Attendance & Trade Shifts Weekly schedules will be provided to employees by their supervisors via CrewSense at least two weeks in advance. Staff schedules may change due to weather and/or beach closures. Furthermore, staff may be asked to work additional shifts, especially when coverage is needed late in the season. Staff may only work overtime (over 40 hours per pay week) with the approval of the Lifeguard Coordinators or the Lakefront Coordinator. Staff can check current pay rates and pay stubs by using this url: https://myportal.cityofevanston.org/Websites.HR.Portal/Default.aspx. If this is the first time logging into eSuite, select Activate Your Account and enter your last name and SSN to get your login information. 2.1 Payroll Calendar City of Evanston employees are paid bi-weekly, every other Friday. The work week begins on Monday and ends on Sunday. Time is computed to the nearest quarter of an hour (15 minutes). Payroll calendar dates can be requested from a supervisor. 2.2 Attendance Policy & Shift Trades All staff are expected to arrive on time to their assigned shifts and stay on site until the end of their shift. Staff should start and end their shift at the Dempster St Beach Office. If an employee is going to be late (tardy) to their shift, they must notify their supervisor as soon as possible via phone. Staff must find a substitute for any missed shifts due to religious observances, educational commitments, vacations, doctors appointments, or other commitments. Staff are required to submit a shift trade via CrewSense for any shifts that will be covered by a substitute. Shift Trades must be approved by your supervisor prior to the shift. Employees that are going to miss more than a week of work, must communicate dates to [email protected] at least a week in advance. If you are unable to make it to a shift due to an illness, you must notify their supervisor as soon as possible via phone, prior to the beginning of your shift. If an employee misses three(3) or more consecutive shifts due to illness, a statement from a treating physician that assessed the employee’s inability to work during the period missed and the employee's ability to return to work is needed in order to resume work in either a light duty or full duty manner. Absences due to emergencies should be communicated to supervisors as soon as possible and will be handled on a case by case basis. Unapproved absences may result in a verbal or written warning, suspension, or termination depending on the severity or the situation. Section 3 - Lakefront Staff Cell Phone Use Policy This policy applies to the use of personal cell phones while at work or representing the City of Evanston in an approved activity. Personal cell phones may not be used while not on break unless for authorized use or for official work related tasks. Personal cell phones may not be used during training activities, while gate attending, or participating in any work related activity. In certain cases of emergency, if staff need their cell phone on their person while at work, they can request permission from their Supervisor(s). 7 Personal cell phone use to make or receive phone calls and texts at other times while on duty is acceptable while on break, out of the public eye. Staff should use their cell phone in the guard shack at their assigned beach or beach office. Lifeguards are not allowed to have their cell phone on their person while in chair. Section 4 - Disciplinary Action Failure to cooperatively follow all procedures and guidelines as outlined in this manual will result in disciplinary action. Depending on the severity of the infraction, this may include verbal or written warnings, suspension, or termination. 4.1 Employee Policy Employees are expected to perform the duties and responsibilities of their positions in a competent, courteous, and professional manner. When employees fail to do so, their behavior and performance are detrimental and disruptive to the effective operation of their department and the City. In such circumstances, corrective action will be taken, which may include, depending on the specific circumstances, counseling, training, and/or disciplinary action. Discipline is intended to correct unacceptable employee actions, including poor performance, to improve behavior that is detrimental and/or disruptive, and to create a consistent, positive working environment for all employees. Depending upon the level of the infraction, discipline may begin at the level of a verbal or written reprimand. Certain disciplinary steps may be omitted, depending upon the seriousness of the offense. Each time the same or similar infraction occurs, more stringent disciplinary action takes place. It is not necessary that the employee violate the same rule or have the same incident occur to draw upon previous corrective disciplinary actions. The employee’s general behavior pattern will be used in determining the next level of discipline. If past behavior relates to the present problem, past action will be taken into consideration. All employees in non-union positions are at-will employees and serve the City at the pleasure of the City Manager. All employees in non-union positions can be disciplined or terminated by the City Manager. The discipline policy and the disciplinary action levels set forth below do not limit the grounds for suspension or termination. 4.2 Disciplinary Action Levels In accordance with the discipline policy, the following disciplinary action levels are available to the Department Director. Nothing in the discipline policy limits the Department Director from utilizing, or the City Manager from approving, disciplinary action which varies from the sequence of disciplinary action levels set forth below. Examples of offenses that may warrant any of the below levels of discipline include, but are not limited to: Misuse of confidential or proprietary information, including customer or personnel records, reports or tests, or any department files, documents, or data; Failure to follow instructions or failure to work in accordance with City policies, procedures, or practices; City of Evanston – Employee Handbook (effective August 1, 2022) 13 Repeated or excessive tardiness or absence from work, without justification or proper notification; Leaving assigned place or area of work during working hours without permission of the supervisor; Smoking in prohibited areas; Insubordination and/or violation of any City policies; Negligence in the performance of duties; Intimidating or coercing other employees through physical or verbal threats; Sleeping or inattention to duty during working hours; or Performance at a less than satisfactory level in any job classification. 8 4.2a Verbal Reprimand Defines an inappropriate action or omission which includes a warning that the incident is not to be repeated. A verbal reprimand is generally given by the employee’s immediate supervisor in a private meeting. Verbal reprimands will be documented in writing and placed in the employee’s personnel file to substantiate the start of corrective discipline. All necessary documentation should be recorded on the disciplinary action form. The employee must be told clearly what the infraction is, how to correct the problem and what further disciplinary action may result for failure to comply with the recommended corrective action and/or future instances of the same type of incident. Verbal reprimands must be approved by the Human Resources Division Manager or designee before being issued to the employee. All verbal reprimands, after issuance, must be submitted to the Human Resources Division for placement in the employee’s official personnel file. Copies will be given to the employee, sent to the employee’s union, if applicable, and retained in the employee’s personnel file for future reference. 4.2b Written Reprimand May follow one or more verbal reprimands issued to an employee for repeated offenses or for infractions of a more serious nature. The written reprimand is generally given by the employee’s immediate supervisor in a private meeting. Written reprimands must be placed in the employee’s personnel file. All necessary documentation should be recorded on the disciplinary action form. The employee must be told clearly what the infraction is, how to correct the problem and what further disciplinary action may result for failure to comply with the recommended corrective action and/or future instances of the same type of incident. Written reprimands must be approved by the Human Resources Division Manager or designee before being issued to the employee. All written reprimands, after issuance, must be submitted to the Human Resources Division for placement in the employee’s official personnel file. A copy must be given to the employee, sent to the employee’s union, if applicable, and retained in the employee’s personnel file for future reference. 4.2c Suspension The temporary removal of the employee from the payroll.1 A suspension may be initiated when lesser forms of disciplinary action have not corrected the employee’s behavior or for first 1 Administrative leave is not equivalent to a suspension. Administrative leave is paid leave which does not result in the temporary removal from the payroll, whereas a suspension is unpaid leave. City of Evanston – Employee Handbook (effective August 1, 2022) 14 offenses of a more serious nature. Examples of offenses of a serious nature which may warrant a suspension for a first offense include, but are not limited to: Deviation from the work rules, safety rules, department or City policy; Consumption or use during working hours of any amount of alcohol or illegal drugs; Falsification or misuse of time sheets or records through misstatement or omission; Fighting or assaulting an employee or citizen; Theft or unauthorized possession of City property or funds; Insubordination; Abuse of sick leave; Failing to disclose any information requested or providing a false or misleading answer to any question in any application, questionnaire, information form, or other document provided by the City; Making false, willfully inaccurate or deliberately incomplete statements in an official inquiry, investigation or other official proceeding; 9 Engaging in any act or conduct prohibited by state or federal statutes or local ordinance that is related to the employee’s position and/or impacts on the employee’s ability to perform in his position; Negligence in the performance of duties; Conduct unbecoming a City employee; or Gross Incompetence. For the purpose of the discipline policy, gross incompetence is defined as the acts or omissions of an employee related to the employee’s job duties which prejudice official City business and/or fail to conform to reasonable standards of job performance. It is not necessary to find a continuing series of acts or omissions to substantiate a finding of gross incompetence. Such a finding may be substantiated by one act or omission of a serious nature which demonstrates the employee’s inability to properly fulfill and meet job related duties and/or which is so serious as to pose a clear and present danger to the municipal corporation or members of the public. The number of days of suspension will depend on the severity of the act. Admission of the above listed offenses may also result in termination. Periods of suspensions are a permanent part of the employee’s personnel file. Department Directors may issue suspensions of up to five days to non-sworn non-union employees, documented on the disciplinary action form, with the prior approval of the Human Resources Division Manager or designee without a pre-disciplinary meeting. Suspensions for union employees must be consistent with the City’s collective bargaining agreements. Police and Fire Chiefs may issue up to 24 hours of suspension to sworn employees, documented on the disciplinary action form, with the prior approval of the Human Resources Division Manager or designee. 4.2d Termination The complete severance of the employer-employee relationship. This may be implemented when other disciplinary steps failed to correct improper action by an employee or for first City of Evanston – Employee Handbook (effective August 1, 2022) 15 offenses of a serious nature. Examples of offenses of a serious nature which may warrant a termination for a first offense include, but are not limited to: Deviation from the work rules, safety rules, department or City policy; Consumption or use during working hours of any amount of alcohol or illegal drugs; Possession of an unauthorized weapon at the workplace; Willful destruction of City property; Insubordination; Fighting or assaulting an employee or citizen; Falsification or misuse of time sheets or records through misstatement or omission; Theft or unauthorized possession of City property or funds; Failing to disclose any information requested or providing a false or misleading answer to any question in any application, questionnaire, information form, or other document provided by the City; Making false, willfully inaccurate or deliberately incomplete statements in an official inquiry, investigation or other official proceeding; Abandonment of position; Engaging in any act or conduct prohibited by state or federal statutes or local ordinance that is related to the employee’s position and/or impacts on the employee’s ability to perform his job; or Gross Incompetence. 10 Section 5 - Staff Mental and Physical Wellbeing Lifeguarding is demanding, both physically and mentally. It is important to practice self-care throughout the duration of employment in order to avoid illness and burnout. All injuries should be reported to supervisory staff as soon as possible. 5.1 Lifeguard Health By nature, open water lifeguarding is an athletic profession. Knowing this, it is important to fuel your body with proper hydration and nutrition. Lifeguards should focus on consuming meals and snacks that are a good balance of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. The standard recommended amount of water to drink per day is 64oz, however, guards should remember that water is expelled by sweating and more water should be consumed on hot days. Make sure to drink water throughout the day, and not just when you are thirsty, as thirst is the first sign of dehydration. 5.2 Injury Overuse injuries occur when the lifeguard has been trying to do something repetitively or incorrectly, thus over-stressing or straining involved muscles and tendons, leading to inflammation, pain, and decreased function. Back injuries, for example, may occur because lifeguards must lift, push, or carry things, like removing a victim from the water or pushing a rescue boat off the beach. Paddling and general use of rescue boards can cause shoulder tendonitis, but also neck and back strain, elbow problems — such as lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) — and trauma from being struck by the rescue board. Since an integral part of lifeguard work involves running, lifeguards are susceptible to related injuries. These include runner’s knee (kneecap discomfort), tendonitis, shin splints, plantar fasciitis (heel spurs), and numerous other injuries, mainly related to overuse. Lifeguard training necessarily involves running, and lifeguards en route to a rescue are usually attempting to keep their eyes on the victim, while running and donning rescue equipment. Due to the instability of the surface, irregularity of the contour, and lack of support, running on the sand can cause various injuries, including Achilles tendonitis, foot problems, sprains, and strains. Walking and running on the sand and beach environment can also lead to a significant number of lacerations and puncture wounds to the foot of a lifeguard. These can be due to natural (e.g. shells, rocks) and human-made (e.g. glass, needles) hazards. Lifeguard equipment can also be a source of injury. While dismounting from towers or stands, lifeguards can strain their calf, sprain ligaments, or injure joints. A study of lifeguard injuries in the City and County of Honolulu Lifeguards found that paddleboards were the number one source of trauma there. Rescue boats and emergency vehicles of all types can be an injury source. For example, a study of Australian lifesavers identified numerous serious foot and ankle injuries from IRB use. A follow-up study found that impact forces and foot straps were a major source of the injuries. Injuries are also sustained by lifeguards in other types of boats and vehicles. Even the public or rescue victim can also be a source of injury. 5.3 Skin Cancer Skin cancer accounts for more than half of all cancers diagnosed in the United States, and there is both direct and indirect evidence that sun exposure can cause skin cancer. Lifeguards and aquatic instructors working at outdoor facilities are at a higher risk for overexposure to the sun due to high sun exposure on the job and poor sunscreen habits among young adults. Young adults in high school or college tend to have poor sun protection habits and a high prevalence of sunburn. Lifeguards at outdoor pools are particularly vulnerable to skin cancer owing to high sun exposure on the job. Both tanning and sunburn are symptoms of skin damage. Many people think that they need a base tan to avoid getting sunburn and damaging their skin, but this is incorrect. The skin appears darker because it redistributes 11 melanin in an effort to protect itself. When you tan, not only is your skin being damaged, DNA is also being damaged, increasing your chances of skin cancer. Reducing your chances of skin cancer include using the three S’s of sun protections. 1. Sunscreen: of at least SPF 30, 30 minutes prior to going outside, with reapplication every 2 hours. 2. Shade: Use a shade structure, especially between the hours of 11AM and 4PM when UV rays are the strongest 3. Shield: wear a long sleeve shirt, hat, sun glasses, Skin Cancer symptoms can include: An existing mole that has an irregular border, is asymmetrical, or varies is shade of color Red, blue, or white areas in a mole Rough or scaly red patches, which might crust or bleed The appearance of a new mole in an adult Raised reddish patches that might be itchy Small translucent, shiny, pearly bumps that are pink or red and which might have blue, brown, or black areas Itching, pain, or tenderness in an area that doesn't go away or goes away then comes back Changes in the surface of a mole: oozing, scaliness, bleeding, or the appearance of a lump or bump University of Chicago Medicine recommends that you do self-exams monthly to check for any symptoms of skin cancer. Anyone who identifies a suspicious-looking lesion, spot, mole or bump on their skin should immediately seek a professional exam, especially if the spot is growing rapidly or bleeding and not healing. In addition, anyone at high risk for skin cancer (for example, has a lot of moles, has had extensive sun exposure) should get an initial skin cancer screening exam by a dermatologist. Depending on what is found during that initial exam, the dermatologist will provide a recommendation on how frequently you or your loved one should come back for screenings (for example, once a year, twice a year). 5.4 Mental Health Not only is lifeguard taxing physically, it can also affect your mental health. The need to respond at a second’s notice is constant. If you’ve ever needed to make a rescue, the experience stays with you. In this first responder role, lifeguards are inadvertently exposed to high risk and trauma related experiences, which may negatively impact mental well-being. Ways to manage your mental health Eat balanced meals & maintain a regular sleep schedule Routine exercise including low impact activating such as walking or yoga Participate in hobbies and activities with others Meditation and relaxation exercises Talk to a trusted individual including a friend, family member or supervisor Seek help from a licensed therapist Mental Health Resources City Of Evanston Employee Assistance Program The City of Evanston has partnered with Espyr® to provide employees with a comprehensive Employee Assistance Program to help with a variety of personal and work life matters. The EAP is a free and confidential resource available 24/7. Work-Life specialists provide consultation, information, resources, and verified referrals for most all personal and family needs such as: 12 Academic Health and Wellness Pet Care Relocation Concierge Counseling Support for stress, marital and family problems, job related concerns, life transitions, work-life challenges, emotional issues, and other concerns. TalkNow® provides immediate access to counselors for in the-moment support, and guidance. Up to 3 EAP sessions for assessment, short-term counseling and referral. Telephonic, video, and in-person options available. For more information call (800) 869-0276 or go to https://care.espyr.com/ and login with Password/Company ID: EvanstonEAP 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 988 is confidential, free, and available 24/7/365. The new 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers access to trained crisis counselors who can help with mental health-related distress including: Thoughts of suicide Mental health or substance use crisis Any other kind of emotional distress When you call, text or chat 988, you will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network. These counselors will listen, provide support and connect you to available resources. This line is also available for concerned family members and friends. More information at samhsa.gov. Trilogy’s First-Response Alternative Crisis Team (FACT) FACT is available to help before, during, and after a mental health event 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This program provides support to individuals in crisis when and where support is needed. Trilogy’s mobile crisis response team of mental health professionals will help you stay safe. In addition, they will create a safety plan and determine options for ongoing support. Trilogy is a nonprofit organization that provides comprehensive integrated care that enables people in mental health recovery to build meaningful and independent lives. Trilogy serves as Evanston's local mental health crisis response team. Call 800-322-8400 Family Institute at Northwestern University The Family Institute at Northwestern University is committed to helping individuals, couples and families who qualify with free therapy services. Through the Bette D. Harris Child and Family Clinic, therapists-in-training, under the supervision of licensed therapists, provide services to help clients seeking the mental health care they need. If you think you cannot afford therapy, The Family Institute at Northwestern can help. Call 847-733-4300 or visit family-institute.org to learn more. National Alliance on Mental Illness Helpline: 800-950-6264 (trained counselors available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.) or text "Helpline" to 62640 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-275-8255 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Disaster Distress Hotline: 800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 13 National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-7233, thehotline.org Chapter 2: Lakefront Beaches & Facilities Section 1 - Swimming Beaches Evanston’s five clean and sandy beaches are summer recreation facilities operated for the public’s enjoyment by the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department. Daily pass or season passes are required for each person to enter the beach (Title 7, chapter 11, section 3 of the Municipal Code). The beaches are open for swimming starting on Saturday, May 25th through Monday, September 2th, as staffing or weather conditions permit. Swimming Beach Regulations can be found in Chapter 4 - Section 1.1 Patron Beach Regulations. 1.1 Lighthouse Beach (2611 Sheridan Rd - Just north of Central St. on Sheridan Rd.) It is named for the Grosse Point Lighthouse (built in 1873) that stands just west of the beach. Lighthouse Beach is the furthest north of the five Evanston beaches. Lighthouse is average in size with three guard chairs. Surrounding the beach are private residences directly to the north and south. The sand near the water and bottom sand of the swimming area can be very rocky at Lighthouse. There is a playground in the adjacent park behind the beach and the City of Evanston water treatment facility is a few hundred yards to the South. The beach has natural grass dunes directly to the west, which are a common spot where many children get lost. The beach patrons are typically families, so expect lots of little kids and large groups. 1.2 Clark St. Beach (1811 Sheridan Rd - Clark St. and Sheridan Rd.) Clark Street is the second beach from the north and is directly south of the Northwestern campus. The north side of Clark St Beach connects to the Northwestern Sailing Beach. On the south end, there is a breakwall that separates Clark St. Beach from the Evanston Dog Beach. This breakwall creates a strong structural current pulling out into the Lake on Northerly wavy/windy days. On the West side of the beach, there are multiple volleyball courts, and a bird sanctuary. Typical patrons will include Northwestern students, large groups of pre-teens and teenagers, small groups, and numerous camps. In recent years Clark Street has become the busiest and most eventful beach. The Fourth of July fireworks are launched from the sand on Clark St. Beach which is why Clark Street is the only beach closed onJuly 4th. 1.3 Greenwood Beach (1401 Sheridan Rd - Greenwood St. and Sheridan Rd) Greenwood Beach is the central most beach in Evanston. It is the smallest, but can become very hectic due to heavy boat traffic, and the parks surrounding it. To the North of the beach is the Church Street Boat Ramp, to the South is the Dempster Street Sailing Beach and to the West is Dawes Park. Greenwood is the only beach where scuba divers are allowed to enter the water. Divers use Greenwood to gain access to the George W. Morley shipwreck which is approximately 300 Yards east of the swimming area. Greenwood is the weekday home to Evanston’s Aquatic Camp. 1.4 Lee St. Beach (1111 Lake Shore Blvd - Lee St. and Greenleaf St) Lee Street beach is the second southernmost beach. Surrounding the beach is a break wall to the south, a rock line and park area to the north and a neighborhood street to the west. Lee Street’s patrons are typically families. Lee Street is the beach of choice for the Evanston Special Rec Camps. The Guard Shack and bathrooms are located far to the north of the beach entrance. 1.5 South Boulevard Beach (525 Sheridan Square – near Sheridan square and off of Sheridan road) South Blvd. Beach is the southernmost of the Evanston Beaches. Patrons are typically people who live nearby and include families, individuals, and people who prefer a quieter beach. It has a rock line to the 14 north which leads to private beaches, a few private boat launches, and eventually Lee Street Beach. Over the break wall to the south, there is a rock line that leads along Sheridan Road to Chicago’s Juneway Beach. 1.6 Beach Passes All Evanston beaches require either a physical season pass or daily pass for admittance. This is not exclusive to swimmers but applies to anyone wishing to enter the beach and includes City of Evanston employees. 15 Season passes or daily passes are required of all persons one year of age or older. Daily passes and season passes are non-transferable and non-refundable. A patron’s ID with an Evanston zip code will not be accepted for entry to the beach. 1.6a Season Beach Pass (No longer using term “token”) A beach pass is a seasonal pass to the Evanston Beaches. Season passess are sold at the Dempster St. Beach Office, the Clark St. Beach Office, all City of Evanston Recreation Centers during their operating hours. Residency must be proven in order to obtain a season pass at resident rate. In order to receive Evanston (60201 & 60202) or Skokie (60203, 60076 & 60077) resident rates, proof of residency is required. Each adult is required to provide proof of residency, which asks for one of the following documents: Driver's license State ID Mortgage Title or lease agreement. If sharing a lease agreement, a second form of ID with the Evanston address is required. Utility bill Tax Return Voter registration card Vehicle registration card NU Student ID District 65 Scholarship Letter Children will need to show a current report card, school picture ID, parent insurance card listing dependents, tax return document, or other form of ID a parent may have that proves the children reside at that address. 1.6b Daily Passes If a patron does not have a beach season pass, they can buy a daily pass through the Yodel app. Daily Passes are good for the duration of the day that they are purchased and may be used at any of the five beaches during that day. Passes are sold for Skokie and Non-resident rates. Those under the age of one (1) can enter for no cost. 1.7 Beach Accessibility All 5 swimming beaches, and Dempster St Beach, have mobility mats (“Mobi-Mats”) installed creating a path closer to the water in order to increase accessibility at the beach. Beach wheelchairs (2 adult size, 1 child size) will also be available for check-out by beach patrons. For more specific information regarding the beach wheelchairs, contact the Dempster St Beach Office, Lakefront Manager or Lakefront Program Coordinator. Section 2 – Lakefront Offices The City of Evanston Lakefront has two physical locations for the general sales and information of the lakefront patrons. Patrons can also purchase daily and seasonal passes electronically through the Viply App. 2.1 Dempster St. Beach Office (1251 Lakeshore Blvd - All the way East on Dempster) The Dempster St. Beach office or “Beach Office” is the primary base of all lakefront operations. The Lakefront Program Coordinator, the Lifeguard Supervisors, the Aquatic Camp and Sailing Programs 16 operate here on a daily basis. The Beach Office is also the primary location for all sales of seasonal passes, dog beach passes, and Dempster and Church St. boating permits. 2.2 Clark St. Beach Office (1811 Sheridan Rd - Clark St. and Sheridan Rd.) The Clark St. Beach Office is located at the entrance of Clark Street Beach This building houses a lifeguard shack, restroom, and secondary beach office. This office sells daily beach passes and will also sell dog beach passes, Church St. Launch passes, and season passes. 2.3 Contact Numbers Lakefront Headquarters (Dempster Street Beach Office)................ (847) 866-4167 Emergency........................................................................................ 911 Non-Emergency Police………………………………………………… (847) 866-5000 Clark Street Beach............................................................................ (847) 448-8054 Greenwood Beach............................................................................. (847) 864-0141 South Blvd. Beach……………………………………………………… (847) 570-6520 City of Evanston 311 call center…………………………………………. (847) 448-4311 Beach Office Landline (for power failures/emergencies)……….......... (847) 869 6572 *The beach telephones are not for personal use and should only be used to take incoming calls or to make outgoing calls to the Beach Office, 911, 311, or non-emergency police. Section 3 – Launch Facilities and the Dog Beach The City of Evanston operates three additional lakefront-access facilities. 3.1 The Dog Beach Located between Greenwood St. Beach and the Church Street Boat Ramp - The Dog Beach is a small beach where patrons can let their dog off leash and allow them to swim. Patrons must obtain a dog beach pass from a community center or the Dempster St Beach. People are not allowed in the water at the dog beach beyond knee depth. The Dog Beach is open 6 AM to 11 PM weather and water permitting. Occasionally, dogs may escape and run through the park or swim from the Dog Beach on Clark Street. See Sections 8.2 for all rules and regulations for the dog beach. 3.2 The Church St. Boat Ramp The Church St. Boat Ramp is for launching trailered vessels including jet skis and motorboats. Vehicles pulling boats enter from a drive at the intersection of Sheridan Road and Clark Street. The boat ramp harbors Evanston Fire Marine 21, the Evanston Fire Department Jet Skis, and the Evanston Recreation Whalers and watercraft. It has an “L” shaped pier jutting into Lake Michigan that protects the harbor from Northerly weather and waves. Swimming is not allowed in the harbor area. The Southern pier and Southern boat launch ramp is off limits to public access. The south pier will be used to dock Evanston Fire Department and Evanston Parks & Recreation vessels and the public should not be allowed to launch or dock from that pier. The Church Street Gate Attendant should help direct patrons trying to launch in order to control traffic. 17 3.3 The Dempster St. Sailing Beach Dempster St. Sailing beach is located directly south of Greenwood beach. This is a sailing/launching only beach and swimming is not allowed. Separate launch passes are required for entry and beach passes are not accepted as a form of entry. This facility is used for the launching, retrieval, and storage of non-motorized boats such as small sailboats, catamarans, windsurfing boards, canoes, stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, and surfboards. Launch permits are required, daily and seasonal permits can be purchased at the Dempster St. Beach Office. On extremely wavy days surfers might frequent the beach as well. City of Evanston motor boats are moored daily directly north of the break wall weather permitting. There are two entrances to the beach, one at the Dempster Street breakwall through the Beach Office parking lot and one connected to the Greenwood Street swimming beach entrance. Patrons are not allowed to cross between Greenwood and Dempster beaches without showing the correct pass for both beaches. Section 4 – Unguarded Waterfront Area Surrounding the five Evanston beaches is a variety of parks, bike and pedestrian paths, picnic spots, and private property. It is the duty of the lakefront staff to keep a watch of these public areas for potential problems or situations that might require action or the assistance of the Evanston Fire or Police Departments. While we may not have authority to enforce some rules in these land and/or water areas, we are still responsible to assist, respond, and rescue if necessary. 4.1 North of Lighthouse This area is private residential. If you see anyone leaving a beach and entering private property they should be stopped. North of the private property and beaches is the Wilmette Harbor and Gilson Park/Beach area. 4.2 South of Lighthouse The lakefront directly south of the break wall is private property. Past the houses and private beach is the City of Evanston Water Treatment Plant, then the Northwestern swimming Beach and the NU Campus. 4.3 Northwestern University Swimming Beach (Lincoln Street Beach) Northwestern University operates a swimming beach. It is located a few hundred yards south of Lighthouse Beach. We are not responsible for guarding it. Evanston beach season pass holders can gain access to this beach by using their pass with no additional cost. 4.4 Northwestern University Sailing Northwestern University operates a sailing and non-motorized vessel launch facility on a small strip of beach at the North end of Clark Street Beach. There is occasional concern of their boaters entering the Clark Street swimming area. People may also attempt to walk onto Clark St. from the sailing beach, which is not allowed. NU operates some small inflatable motorboats for vessel assistance and sailing instruction from this beach. 4.5 Rocklines Much of the Evanston shore has a rockline at the edge of the water. This is a restricted area where people may attempt to enter the water or beach. They should be stopped and sent back west of the rocks. Due to the rising lake levels the rocks have become unstable and are extremely dangerous. People are not allowed on the rocks at all. Lifeguards should instruct people to stay off the rocks. Section 5 – Park Areas There are multiple park areas in the City of Evanston along the Lakefront. These park areas are managed by City staff. Lifeguards have and will be asked to respond to emergencies that occur in the park areas. All staff should be familiar with the different park locations. 18 5.1 Lighthouse Landing The City of Evanston became the agency responsible for issuing year-round park permits for the Lighthouse Landing park and picnic shelter. Permits are issued from the Civic Center (847) 448-4311, not the Dempster St. Beach Office. 5.1a Fire Circle The Cement Fire Ring is located at the Lakefront area next to the Harley Clarke Mansion, just south of the entrance to Lighthouse Beach. In order to request a permit for the use of the bonfire ring, telephone the Ecology Center at 847-448-8256 to schedule an available date for the use of the ring. Only one fire permit is issued per day. 5.2 Centennial Park This park is located just to the west and south of Clark. St. Beach. 5.3 The Arrington Lagoon The Arrington Lagoon is located just south of Church St at the Lake, west of the Church Street boat launch and south of Clark Street Beach. The Arrington Lagoon & Picnic Shelter was sits on the north end of Dawes Park. 5.4 Dawes Park Dawes Park is north of Greenwood Beach. People may attempt to sit on the rocks or climb over the rocks north of Greenwood in order to enter the beach. If you see anyone doing this, inform them that they should exit the beach immediately and enter the beach through the gate area with the required season pass or daily pass. 5.5 Elliot Park Elliot Park is located between the Dempster St. Beach Office and Lee St Beach. Elliot Park is one of our busiest parks, and patrons may climb onto the rocks and occasionally attempt to enter the water and swim. Lifeguards at Lee St. and the Lifeguard Supervisory Staff must work in conjunction to keep this area clear of trespassers. Being a busy park between busy beaches, there have been many cases where missing kids have been found in Elliot park. 5.6 Clark Square Park Clark Square Park is located between Main Street and Kedzie Street east of Sheridan Rd. While it is not adjacent to any swimming beach, staff should still be aware of its location as it does have a rockline along Lake Michigan. 5.7 Garden Park Garden Park is located north of South Blvd Beach. Similar to other parks with long rocklines, people may sit and play on the rocks, even entering the water. This is dangerous and not allowed. If you see anyone doing this, inform them that they must exit the rocks immediately. Section 6 - Parking Most of the beaches have limited street parking and for that reason, it is in your best interest to avoid driving if possible. Be aware of parking regulations at the beach you are stationed at. 6.1 Employee parking You may request an employee parking pass while at work which must be returned at the end of your shift. The parking pass must be displayed by hanging on your rearview mirror. This parking pass will allow you to legally park longer than the limited time areas (2 or 3 hour zones). It will also allow you to park without a 19 resident sticker in those areas that a resident sticker is required. If you receive a ticket for any of those reasons and your parking pass was displayed properly, please write a letter explaining the situation and make a copy of your pass (at the beach office) and we will try to negate the ticket. Please note: placing a piece of your uniform inside a vehicle that does not have a visible parking pass is not a valid reason to void a ticket. The parking pass does not allow you to park illegally (handicap area, fire lane, no parking zone etc.) If you receive a ticket for any of those reasons or were not properly displaying your parking pass, the ticket is your responsibility. When at South Blvd. you should be aware of the street cleaning schedule since parking is not allowed on those days. 6.2 Public Lakefront Parking Vehicles without a current year paid Evanston wheel tax are subject to parking fees on designated streets along the lakefront, with enforcement between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m., seven days a week. Parking rates are set at $3 per hour, April 1 through October 31, and $0.50 per hour, November 1 through March 31. Vehicles registered to an Evanston address with a current year paid wheel tax do not need to pay for lakefront parking sessions. Always be sure to read the signs or check the ParkEvanston App or pay station for more information, as not all rates are the same and are subject to change. Lakefront parking areas include: 2611 Sheridan Rd., Lighthouse Beach lot 1700 - 1800 block of Sheridan Road (east and west) 1500 block of Sheridan Road / Lagoon Lot (east) 1400 block of Sheridan Road / Dawes Park Lot 1200 block of Lake Shore Boulevard / Burnham Shores Park / Dempster Street Launch Beach (east) 1000 - 1100 block of Lake Shore Boulevard / Lee Street Beach / Elliot Park (east and west) 500 - 600 block of Sheridan Square from Garden Park to Sheridan Road (east) 0-100 block of Kedzie Street / Clark Square Park Lot (north) Free parking is also available after 4PM on weekdays and Saturdays and Sundays. This includes South Campus Garage,South Beach Structure Upper & Lower Lots (just north of Clark St Beach), and North Campus Parking Garage (just south of Lighthouse Beach). Parking in the boat ramp lot is by permit only. Vehicles without the proper decal will be ticketed and may be towed. Section 7 – Lakefront Programs 7.1 Aquatic Camps The City of Evanston runs numerous lakefront summer camps operated from the Dempster Street Sailing Beach. See the City of Evanston Parks and Recreation Camp Guide for the most up to date information or reach out to the lakefront program coordinator with any questions. 7.2 Non-Lakefront Camps Various summer camps from both the City of Evanston and other organizations will visit the Evanston beaches. Upon their arrival, Beach Managers should check with the Camp Director and make sure they are aware of beach rules. The Camp should be placed in an allotted section of the beach adjacent to the swimming area where there is the least number of patrons. Separating the camp will help them stay organized and safe. When in the water, there must be at least 1 counselor for every 10 campers swimming, and the camp should keep to one section of the swimming area. Counselors should form a box around the campers while in the water. Counselors should also watch all of the campers and keep them together in the camp’s area. 20 7.2a City of Evanston Recreation Camps We have many City of Evanston camps that schedule times at the beaches; supervisors will alert beach staff of camps. City of Evanston Recreation camps are allowed on our beaches for free at any time. Summer Voyagers Camp will be at Greenwood Beach opposite of Arts & Aquatics Camp. 7.2b Other Camps Other camps or large groups may buy season passes or half price daily passes. It is possible they will do so at the beach office. If a camp or large group arrives unexpectedly at the beach, the beach office should be notified in order to better arrange lifeguards to make sure beaches are staffed correctly. 7.3 Lakefront Programs 7.3a Rentals The City of Evanston’s Dempster Street Sailing Staff rents kayaks, SUP’s and sailboats during Beach hours. Hours will vary depending on weather and staffing 7.3b Lessons Sailing staff provides one on one sailing and group kayak lessons to participants of all backgrounds and abilities. 7.3c Seasonal Programs Seasonal lakefront programs will take place including but not limited to SUP yoga, guided kayak tours, movies on the beach, paddleboard costume contest, regattas, volleyball tournaments, etc. Contact the lakefront program coordinator with ideas and check the program guide for more info. Section 8 – Rules and Regulations As a staff member for the City of Evanston it is important that you know all the regulations which you will have to enforce (you cannot enforce what you don’t know). When speaking to patrons it is important to be fair and consistent. It is also important to enforce regulations quickly to prevent confusion or give other patrons the idea that there is nothing wrong with what is being done. We are committed to promoting City-wide culture of accessibility and inclusivity. Remember to speak clearly, politely, and remain calm. 8.1 Patron Beach Regulations City of Evanston Lakefront Staff must know, follow, and enforce all regulations and procedures as outlined in this manual. The following is taken directly from the City of Evanston website, and are the posted rules and regulations for patrons to follow at the beach. Any italicized words are not part of the rule themselves, but are notes for the purpose of this manual, to help staff better understand and enforce the particular rule or regulation. Beach Rules Individuals must comply with requests from City of Evanston staff. Any individual who acts in a threatening, violent, or otherwise inappropriate manner may be asked to leave the beach without a refund, and/or legal prosecution. Swimming Swimming is only permitted when lifeguards are on duty and within the marked swimming area. Swimmers may not swim beyond the marked buoys, which separate swimmers from boat traffic. Swimming may be restricted or prohibited due to weather or safety conditions. Examples: Waves, high wind, lightning, thunder, contaminated water, currents. 21 Watercraft, Inflatables, and Equipment Use of inflatable objects or floatation devices, except US Coast Guard-approved lifejackets is not allowed. The only flotation devices allowed in the swim areas are US Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices (PFD). Every approved PFD will have a product label, typically located on the inner back, with information about the intended use of the device, the size of the person it will fit, and how to properly wear the PFD. It will also state “USCG Approved xxxxxx.” Lifeguards must inspect PFDs/lifejackets for this label, and ensure they fit and are being worn properly before allowing them in the swim area. Use of any inflatable objects and/or non-USCG approved flotation devices is not allowed.This includes but is not limited to skimboards, innertubes, boogie boards, inflatable beach balls, and inflatable arm floaties. Launching of non-motorized boats/vessels is only allowed at the Dempster St. Launch Facility and requires a permit. Scuba Diving and the use of masks and snorkels is only permitted on Greenwood Beach by certified divers with required equipment. Required equipment includes at least one other certified diver with them, a buoyancy vest, scuba certification card, diver down flag, and submersible pressure gauge to enter. Beach patrons are not allowed on lifeguard chairs, boats, or buoys. The City of Evanston is not responsible for lost or stolen personal property. Sand Activities Ball playing, frisbee, kite flying, etc. is permitted only in areas designated by beach staff. Digging of large holes is prohibited. All holes must be filled in when leaving. Loud music that may disturb other beach patrons is prohibited. Climbing on steel groins/breakwalls and rocks is dangerous and prohibited at all times. Fires and/or barbecues on the beach are prohibited. Food and Drink Alcoholic beverages and glass containers are not permitted on the beach. Smoking, e-cigarettes, vaping and/or the use of any tobacco products is prohibited. Please dispose of all trash in designated containers. Supervision Children must be properly supervised by an adult. Children under 10 years of age must be accompanied by an adult (15 years or older). Persons 11-14 years old may supervise children ten and under when they have written parental permission. Admission A season pass or daily ticket is required for admission for all patrons, age one and over. Service dogs are permitted on the beach. Pets, including emotional support animals, are not permitted. Specific areas on the sand or in the water, may be reserved for Recreation Division Programs. All commercial photography is prohibited without a permit and permission from the Parks & Recreation Department. 8.2 Dog Beach Regulations Evanston Dog Beach rules must be observed and followed by all users. Rules are communicated in writing below. The sign at the park entrance will also highlight rules and regulations. 1. An area south of the Clark Street breakwater and north of the Church Street boat ramp, and the adjacent sandy area are hereby designated as a dog beach. Dogs may enter the water only within the designated area. 22 2. The Evanston Dog Beach will open on March 1, weather permitting and will remain open until inclement weather prohibits staff to safely maintain access. Once closed, the Evanston Dog Beach shall remain closed through March 1 or when weather permits reopening. 3. The Evanston Dog Beach hours are 6 A.M. to 11 P.M., weather permitting. The beach is subject to closure due to high bacteria counts, lightning, or other dangerous weather/lake conditions and lakefront special events. The City Manager or their designee may open or close the Evanston Dog Beach pursuant to subsection 7-11-4(C) of the City Code. 4. Annual passes are valid March 1 through the end of the season closure date. 5. All dogs must have a season pass to be on the beach. 6. Evanston Dog Beach passess are non-transferable. Valid pass holders are prohibited from lending, sharing, or supplying passes and/or gate codes with unauthorized persons. Anyone caught allowing a non-permitted holder/dog access to the Evanston Dog Beach will have their pass revoked. 7. Owners/handlers must display their dog’s season pass at all times while using the Evanston Dog Beach and show their pass to the attendant when entering and exiting the beach. Staff reserves the right to inspect dog passes at any time. 8. Owners/handlers will be responsible for closing all gates as they enter and exit the Evanston Dog Beach. 9. Dogs may be released from their leashes only when they enter the fenced area designated as the Evanston Dog Beach. 10. Dog owners/handlers will be required to pick up dog feces and dispose of it in the waste receptacles located near the beach. 11. Owners/handlers/guests with dogs may enter the water to their knees and no further. 12. Owners must fill any holes dug by their dog imm

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