HOWARD, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – A Howard swimming hole, quickly gaining in popularity, is adding safety measures.
With new sand beaches, for the first time, Duck Creek Quarry has been consistently attracting hundreds of swimmers each day.
“It’s a beautiful place,” said Linda Newton of Oneida. “I like it. The kids like it.”
It’s free to swim, but as you can see clearly on signs, you assume all risk using the quarry.
“I sometimes worry about the people that go way out there on their innertubes, because what if they like fall off and can’t get back on them?” said Ian Colby, a 10-year-old from Green Bay.
“Depth markers and distance markers would be helpful I think,” said Mary Colby of Green Bay.
Howard’s Village Board agreed Monday to spend about $12,600 on central steps and handrails, three ladders, and five life-saving throw ring posts.
Village leaders say the safety improvements are not in response to any specific incident at the quarry, although, they were told about a 13-year-old who nearly drowned earlier this summer.
“Basically the village wants to do everything it can to make sure users are safe at the quarry,” said Geoff Farr, Howard’s Public Works Director.
One thing Farr tells FOX 11 is the village is not considering is employing lifeguards.
“I talked to the operator over at Ashwaubomay and she questioned if we could even run lifeguards there because of the depths and lifeguards are expected to swim down and get somebody. There is liability associated with that and that kind of goes with the decision not to charge fees.”
The quarry’s regulars say while they appreciate the safety additions, they already feel safe enough.
“We just have to keep an eye on all the kids, swim at your own risk I guess,” said Newton.
There is no indication yet when the safety improvements will be complete.
To save money, village public works employees will do the installation.
