There Aren’t Enough Lifeguards to Reopen All the Pools
Lifeguarding had already become a less popular summer job option for teens. After the pandemic, shortages are enough to keep public pools closed in many U.S. cities.
A shortage of lifeguard options and missed opportunities for training during the pandemic means many lifeguard chairs are empty — and pools closed.
Photographer: Ben Hasty/MediaNews Group/Reading Eagle vi/MediaNews Group RM
Post-pandemic reopenings in much of the U.S. mean the opportunity to get back to the pool this summer. But it turns out lockdowns weren’t the only obstacle to getting in the water. An escalating shortage of lifeguards has forced many cities to keep some pools closed and reduce hours.
Like so many Covid-era trends, this one predates the pandemic, as lifeguarding has fallen out of favor as a popular option for teens. But the pandemic supercharged that decline, cutting off the training pipeline that keeps pools and swimming areas safe.