(WBBM NEWSRADIO) – All of Chicago’s public swimming pools are on track to open later this month after a successful push to hire more lifeguards, Park District officials announced Wednesday.
Part of the new recruitment process included earlier outreach, partnerships with Chicago Public Schools and others incentives such as free tickets to various events.
Manager of the City's Beaches and Pools Andy Walsh said the Park District also took away financial barriers to the application process. The district, for example, waived an $85 fee and will pay American Red Cross certification costs.
“And we're offering stipends and paying for our candidates to complete their training,” he said.
Fewer than half of the park district's pools were open last year due to lifeguard staffing issues, he noted. The group of applicants has nearly doubled since 2022, with more than 1,800 applicants currently, he said.
Walsh says all indoor and outdoor pools are expected to open June 23.
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