As summer approaches, the demand for lifeguards soars, but municipalities struggle to fill positions, leading to closures and reduced operating hours at beaches and pools.
With the summer season upon us, the demand for lifeguards has surged to unprecedented levels. However, the supply of qualified applicants has dwindled, casting a shadow over the safety and enjoyment of beachgoers and swimmers.
The shortage has forced some municipalities to consider closing beaches or reducing operating hours due to safety concerns. In New York City, for instance, 230 lifeguards have been hired to patrol the 600-strong force needed to fully staff and oversee the city's beaches. "There are some beaches that will have shortened hours or may not even be able to have a full complement because we have … a national lifeguard problem that we're trying to resolve here in the city," Mayor Eric Adams lamented.
In an effort to entice applicants, cities across the country are offering incentives such as sign-on bonuses, wage increases, and free training. Rochester Hills, Michigan, has even offered a $500 bonus to staff members who work an average of 24 hours per week.
Despite these efforts, lifeguard shortages persist. "We won't really know until after Memorial Day when the beaches are fully staffed," said Wyatt Werneth, national spokesperson for the American Lifeguard Association (ALA). He noted that some improvements have been made but acknowledged the need for more significant progress.
Part of the challenge stems from the declining visibility of the lifeguard profession. Werneth, who was inspired to become a lifeguard by the popular TV drama "Baywatch," believes that similar depictions on television could reignite interest in the field.
The shortage has had a severe impact on public swimming pools as well. In 2023, approximately a third of the country's 309,000 public pools were either closed or operated sporadically due to lifeguard scarcity. Los Angeles County, which has faced a shortage for three consecutive years, has implemented a pay increase and a less rigorous swim test for pool lifeguards.
The American Red Cross has yet to report a national lifeguard shortage but acknowledges staffing difficulties at certain aquatic facilities, particularly in Virginia. In Volusia County, Florida, officials have launched a campaign to attract more lifeguards, while Phoenix has offered bonuses to open 18 out of its 29 swimming pools.
The ALA strongly advises beachgoers and swimmers to verify if their local beach or pool is adequately staffed with lifeguards before venturing out for leisure activities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports approximately 4,000 drowning fatalities annually in the United States.
"Somewhere, we took a detour, and not many people know how to swim," Werneth said. "The most important thing is to swim in front of a lifeguard. Find that lifeguard. Know before you go."
As summer approaches, the lifeguard shortage threatens to dampen the enjoyment and safety of aquatic activities. Municipalities and organizations are working diligently to attract and train lifeguards, but the crisis persists. It is imperative for individuals to prioritize safety and swim only in areas supervised by lifeguards.
