The lifeguard shortage across the country, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, is nowhere more evident than in Phoenix, Ariz., where city officials say they’ll need 400 lifeguards to open pools this summer.
The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department is urgently hiring lifeguards in preparation for staffing the city’s 29 public swimming pools this summer.
“If we cannot hire the number of lifeguards we need, we cannot open all 29 pools and that means less people will have access to a pool where they can cool off and less children will learn to swim,” aquatics director Becky Hulett told the local ABC affiliate. “Being a lifeguard is the best summer job. You’re taught valuable life skills and meet friends that will last a lifetime.”
StarGuard Training for certification is required to become a lifeguard with the City of Phoenix.
Certification classes begin Monday, Feb. 14, and are available through March 28. Applicants must be at least 15 years old.
