Summer Splash: Lifeguard Shortage Dampens Outdoor Aquatic Fun

As summer approaches, a dire shortage of lifeguards poses a threat to beach and pool operations, leaving many municipalities struggling to ensure public safety.

The sizzling summer heat has arrived, promising relief in the cool waters of beaches and pools. However, a glaring shortage of lifeguards looms over the upcoming season, raising concerns about public safety and the availability of these popular recreational activities.

Across the United States, municipalities grappling with a lifeguard deficit are forced to make difficult decisions. Beaches are opening with reduced hours or limited staffing, while some swimming pools remain shuttered, denying residents access to summer's aquatic joys.

In New York City, a glaring need for 370 additional lifeguards leaves many beaches understaffed, prompting Mayor Eric Adams to consider employing migrant asylum seekers with strong swimming abilities. The city has resorted to offering competitive pay increases in a bid to attract applicants.

Rochester Hills, Michigan, was compelled to close its popular Spencer Park beach and swimming area over the holiday weekend due to an insurmountable lifeguard shortage. Desperate to find qualified candidates, they are offering a $500 bonus to staff members working an average of 24 hours weekly through July 15.

Municipalities are implementing various incentives to entice lifeguard applicants. Sign-on bonuses, wage increases, and free training are becoming commonplace, as cities and towns struggle to fill these critical positions.

Wyatt Werneth, the national spokesperson for the Virginia-based American Lifeguard Association (ALA), acknowledges the recruitment challenges but remains optimistic. "There has been some uptick after making some modifications and improvements," he notes. "We need to do better. It's the only profession where we can actually prevent actions before they become actions."

Part of the allure of the lifeguard profession, according to Werneth, lies in its visibility and the allure of a sun-soaked lifestyle. He attributes his own career path to the popular 1990s drama "Baywatch," which glamorized the life of a lifeguard.

The shortage reached a crisis point in 2023, with an estimated third of the country's 309,000 public swimming pools either closed or operating sporadically due to a lack of lifeguards. Los Angeles County, facing a third consecutive year of shortage, has resorted to offering pay increases and easing swim test requirements for lifeguards.

The American Red Cross acknowledges isolated incidents of lifeguard shortages but refrains from declaring a national crisis. However, they emphasize the importance of checking local beach and pool websites for lifeguard staffing updates before venturing out.

The ALA strongly advises against swimming in unguarded areas, highlighting the annual drowning toll of around 4,000 people in the United States. "Somewhere, we took a detour, and not many people know how to swim," Werneth laments. "The most important thing is to swim in front of a lifeguard. Find that lifeguard. Know before you go."

As the summer intensifies, municipalities and organizations continue their relentless search for lifeguards, determined to ensure the safety of those seeking respite in the refreshing waters.