Since she moved to America from Ukraine 17 years ago, Julie Caires has spent her summers swimming at Coeur d'Alene City Beach.

As she closely watched her two boys, ages 3 and 5, playing in the water Wednesday, Caires told The Press she was surprised to see the lack of lifeguards on duty this year.

"I've always hung out right here and I remember there was a lot of them sitting here, but I haven't seen any for a while," she said.

That is because, the city of Coeur d'Alene says, it is having trouble finding enough lifeguards, as well as finding those who are acceptable applicants. So this year the city took down the lifeguard stands and put up signs instead, warning people to swim at their own risk.

Although Caires watches her kids very closely, the Spokane woman said it was nice to have the extra eye of lifeguards who were trained in first aid/Mary Malone, Coeur d'Alene Press. More here.

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