Aquatic Facilities Gear Up For The Season

Will the lifeguard shortage be a factor again this year?

As aquatic facility managers and lifeguard chiefs prepare to open their operations for the rapidly approaching summer season, many are asking themselves “Will I have enough lifeguards?” In recent years, a shortage in the number of qualified lifeguards has increasingly become a serious problem for aquatic facilities and beaches nationwide. Without a sufficient number of lifeguards on duty, facilities often have to result to restricting their hours of operations, thus limiting access to patrons, many of whom have been waiting many months to enjoy the recreational opportunities that those facilities provide.

Fewer lifeguards on duty at any given time puts additional stress on working lifeguards and facility supervisors, which in turn can affect facility safety as well as the quality of the patrons’ experience. Available lifeguards tend to work longer hours and receive fewer much needed breaks that give them brief respite from the sun’s harmful rays and a chance to rehydrate.

There are a combination of factors that have led to the continued nationwide lifeguard shortage which will require a combination of solutions going forward to tackle the problem. As Lifeguard Times™ first reported in June of 2014, lack of interest in obtaining the necessary skills to become a lifeguard, along with either inability or lack of desire to pay $200 or more for lifeguard and first aid training, combined has inhibited the pool of available qualified lifeguards.

Going forward, aquatic facilities will need to be proactive in their recruitment of lifeguards. There are several ways to go about this. First, facilities may want to consider offering free or low cost lifeguard training to ensure that there are an abundance of qualified lifeguards to choose from. Next, offering greater pay and/or benefits to lifeguard staff can help recruit more qualified applicants as well as maintain current workers. Finally, aquatic facilities can get creative using various forms of marketing to get the word out about their lifeguard staffing needs. Posting available positions online is key! Lifeguard Times™ offers an online forum to post lifeguard jobs that can be accessed by clicking here! Also, the use of social media sites such as Facebook and Instagram can help reach much needed job seekers. Use of hash-tags such as #Lifeguard or #LifeguardJobs may help facilities reach the target audience.

What are your experiences when it comes to the lifeguard shortage?

Have you found it difficult to recruit qualified lifeguards?

Are you a lifeguard that is having trouble finding a position in your local area?

Post your comments below and keep the conversation going!