Cities in the Phoenix area are still struggling to hire more lifeguards ahead of summer season
PHOENIX - As the weather starts to warm up, more people will be heading to the pools, but there is still a real need to hire lifeguards before pools can open for the summer.
Currently, almost every town across Arizona is looking to hire lifeguards for the upcoming season, along with almost every career field, and this comes after the COVID-19 pandemic took a toll on the industry.
"Even before the pandemic, there was a national lifeguard shortage, and it’s just more amplified now with everything going on," said Scottsdale's Aquatics Supervisor, Kristen Clark.
Across the country, officials with the American Lifeguard Association said about a third of the country's public pools are at risk of being shut down, or having their hours changed to accommodate the staffing shortage.
Phoenix, Scottsdale in dire need for lifeguards
We spoke with Phoenix city officials in March, who said they were still experiencing a lifeguard shortage, and should the shortage persist, some pools in the city may stay closed for the summer.
During a city council meeting on March 2, the city's aquatics director provided some updated figures on the shortage.
"We are still short by more than 400 lifeguards that would be needed for us to open all 29 pools this year," said Becky Hulett.
In summer 2021, 17 pools stayed shut when only not enough lifeguards answered the call.
"Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, all pools closed in 2020, causing us to lose 50% of our aquatics workforce, with only 300 employees last season," said Hulett.
City pools are scheduled to open on Memorial Day weekend.
"We cannot open pools if we do not have lifeguards for the pools," said Hulett. "It’s regulated by the county. It’s the safety aspect of it, and we can’t put people in danger."
City officials are doing what they can to recruit early. They have launched a social media campaign, lowered certification class costs, and offering incentive pay.
"Our goal is to continue hiring as many as we can," said Hullett. "The final number of lifeguards determines how many pools we can open this summer."
Meanwhile, officials in Scottsdale said they are looking to hire 74 lifeguards.
Cities offering incentives
The big issue with lifeguard recruitment is young people are looking for summer jobs in fast food and retail, where they don't have to deal with the extra certification processes. That is why city officials say it was so important to offer the incentive pay.
In Scottsdale, city officials are offering higher pay during peak times, and they may also reimburse people for any training classes.
"It’s a great job. It’s the most fun job you’ll ever have, but it’s also the most serious jobs, so you get a lot of valuable life experience out of it," said Clark.
In Phoenix, officials are offering $2,500 in incentive pay for certified lifeguards, and in Mesa, lifeguards are starting out at about $16.30 per hour, according to their website.
Officials with the American Lifeguard Association said some are looking at senior citizens to fill vacant lifeguard spots.
Pools offer heat relief and safety tips
City pools are a fun and affordable way to stay cool in Phoenix's blazing summer heat, but closing them will cause a ripple effect, due to canceled swimming lessons in a city that is flooded with child drowning calls.
"I think it’s a shame for people that don’t have a lot of money," said Laura Tallent. "It’s the best way for the kids to learn how to swim."
"The kids, if they don’t have access to a pool, what will they do with their time during the summer?" said Paul Arnhold.
For Tallent, wearing the whistle is fun, and a great way to make new friends. The position also comes with skills she will use later in life.
The city is looking for teenagers 15 and up. Candidates don't need to be great swimmers, but they need to be comfortable in the water.
City of Phoenix - Application for lifeguard and other summer job positions
https://www.phoenix.gov/parks/pools/lifeguard
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