swim at your own risk

Anchorage lakes won't have lifeguards again this summer.

For the third summer in a row, there's nobody on duty at Goose Lake or Jewel Lake.

The city just can't fill enough lifeguard spots, and they say it could stay this way for a while.

It came down to a tough call.

There was enough staff to cover the lakes, or to keep the indoor pools running at Dimond and West High, but not both.

The indoor pools won out.

So if you're heading to the beach this summer, you're the lifeguard now.

Parks and Rec points out that even kids who swim great in a pool need close watching in open water.

A lake is colder, deeper, and a lot less forgiving.

Warm days are already pulling families down to both lakes, and the kids are in the water.

It's still one of the best free ways to spend an Anchorage afternoon.

You just can't assume anyone else is keeping an eye out.

Keep the little ones in arm's reach, count heads often, and maybe leave the phone in your bag.

If you've got friends with young kids who love these lakes, send them this heads up before the weekend.