Summer is coming up fast, and cities across the country are scrambling to find lifeguards. That includes several here in North Texas.
"We need lifeguards," says Greg Sowell with the City of Richardson. "It's all across North Texas, all across the country. We are doing everything we think we can do to attract more."
Sowell says if they don’t hire more lifeguards soon, city pools may have to operate on a modified schedule in Richardson. Some pools may not even get to open.
“Richardson has offered new incentives to attract lifeguards, but the lack of lifeguards is something that is affecting recreation departments nationwide. A decision on whether to open the Heights Family Aquatic Center for the 2022 summer swim season will be made June 15 and is dependent on the availability of adequate staffing to allow for it to safely open," a city news release read. "While all efforts to recruit lifeguards and open the center are being made, there is currently a significant shortage of available personnel and there are not enough applicants waiting for approval to allow it to open.”
It’s a similar story in Mesquite. Only one of three city pools will be open to the public this summer. The City Lake Aquatic Center will be open Thursday thru Sunday from 12-7 p.m. Vanston and Town East Pools will only be used for swim team, swim lessons, and water aerobics.
Both cities are offering incentives to attract more lifeguards, including higher pay and flexible hours.
As for Dallas, officials say the city is short about 15 lifeguards. They say the city is still in good shape for the summer swim season.
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