Phoenix swimming pools are currently experiencing a shortage in lifeguards, which could force the city to close up to half of its 29 pools.
"We are still short by more than 400 lifeguards that would be needed for us to open all 29 pools this year," said Aquatics Director Becky Hulett, as reported by Fox 10 Phoenix. "Our goal is to continue hiring as many as we can. The final number of lifeguards determines how many pools we can open this summer."
According to KTVK/KPHO News, Phoenix is currently offering a $2,500 signing bonus for new lifeguards, but potentially half the city's pools could remain closed as hundreds of lifeguard positions remain empty.
“I do think that people depend on our pools during the summer,” Phoenix Councilwoman Betty Guardado said, according to KTVK/KPHO News. “I know that I love the summer here because it keeps my kids a little bit drained at night.”
Phoenix aquatics supervisor Becky Kirk told KTVK/KPHO News that part of the problem is that lifeguards have to undergo a rigorous training course to be certified.
“It’s difficult,” Kirk said. “There’s a lot of commitment to it. It’s a 28-hour course. There’s eight hours online.”
The city is considering solutions for the lifeguard shortage including transporting children to pools that are adequately staffed.
“We do plan to van to pool kids in communities where their pools are not being opened,” City Parks and Recreation director Cynthia Aguilar said. "And they don’t have to be pools that are closed. We can take them to different pools for different experiences over the summer.”
Fox 10 News reports that more than 400 lifeguards will be needed top open all 29 swimming pools, according to city officials.
Applications for lifeguard positions will continue to be accepted throughout the summer. Applicants must be 15 or older to apply.