Some Pools Forced to Close Over Lifeguard Shortage

The lifeguard shortage has impacted many pools around the US as lifeguards have become scarce.

Why is there a lifeguard shortage? The pandemic is being partially blamed for the problem, but maybe this occupation also simply isn't appealing to enough people any longer to fill the necessary vacant spots. Perhaps offering higher salaries might do the trick? After all, they are trying to compete with remote and hybrid positions these days.

Earlier this year it was expected that the shortage might impact some one-third of public pools, causing them to close their operations because they cannot find lifeguards to staff during the needed hours.

In some areas like Utah they are allegedly seeing about 8 out of 10 parks that don't have enough staff, and it is said to be one of the worst lifeguard shortages to face the nation.

It isn't just lifeguards either but swim instructors that are in short supply too. Also, the problem isn't only going on in the US but other cities in places like Canada too are also reportedly dealing with a lifeguard shortage as well.

You might think pay is keeping many away but some of those lifeguards in places like LA are making hundreds of thousands per year. That certainly isn't your average salary with lifeguards at public pools though.

Many pools could close if they don't figure out those staffing issues and that will mean fewer summer resources for communities around the country.

Some pools are already cutting hours in response to the staffing issues they've been having with trying to find lifeguards.

pics: pixabay sources: https://www.newsweek.com/lifeguard-shortage-could-shut-down-third-public-pools-1692660 https://wamu.org/story/22/06/05/lifeguards-are-scarce-and-it-might-be-affecting-your-local-pool/ https://www.deseret.com/utah/2022/6/20/23162706/lifeguard-shortage-shorter-hours-public-pools-lagoon-amusement-park https://thefederalist.com/2022/06/02/more-than-100-los-angeles-county-lifeguards-make-six-figures/ https://abcnews.go.com/US/us-lifeguard-shortage-summer-pool-closings/story?id=85240100 https://www.lamag.com/citythinkblog/the-highest-paid-lifeguard-in-l-a-makes-over-500000/