SYRACUSE, N.Y. (N.C.C. News) — Syracuse pools have a lifeguard shortage. The lifeguards at Kirk Park Pool aren’t letting this shortage dull the summer for swimmers though.
Although it’s a team effort, some lifeguards have gone above and beyond to help each other out, according to Jenna Towsend, lifeguard and pool manager.
“Sometimes I’ll hop in and help with rotation with the guards. We’re making it work,” said Towsend.
The lifeguard shortage has forced pools to cancel organized swim lessons throughout the city. Towsend and her staff, however, have helped on their off hours to ensure safe swimming practices.
“We’re not offering swimming lessons at this time because of the shortage,” said Towsend. “But myself and a couple of the lifeguards will get in on our down time or our breaks and actually just teach the kids for the fun of it.”
The lifeguard shortage is a national problem, according to the American Lifeguard Association. Low salaries, lack of qualified applicants and rigorous testing are among the reasons why this shortage is happening, said spokesperson Wyatt Werneth.
