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Syracuse is Low on Lifeguards Syracuse is Low on Lifeguards

By Sunny Tsai

Sunny Tsai: It’s hot and humid, meaning summer is finally here. But, is it really summer if you’re not swimming? One of America’s favorite summer activities is spending time in the pool, but that might be hard with a lack of lifeguards this summer.

Terrance Neidl: Applications are down about 5 or 10 about what we usually get in the summer. I know that Syracuse parks and recreation are dealing with a much larger sort of shortage than we have been since last year even.

Sunny Tsai: For example, Sylvan Beach banned swimming last year because there were not enough guards on duty.

Terrance Neidl: I think it goes with a trend. I think that it kind of goes with the trend, a lot of college students and a lot of high school graduating students are looking more into getting internships than sticking with traditional summer jobs. The lure of internships and career experiences is a lot greater nowadays than staying home with mom and dad

Sunny Tsai: But the shortage isn’t something that will stop terrance and his team from letting the community come in and swim.

Terrance Neidl
Luckily we’ve been able to kind of jump those hurdles. Even me gettingin the stand, but it’s something we’re definitely working around.

Sunny Tsai: And for his final words of wisdom for staying safe in the water this summer,

Terrance Neidl: Always swim in designated swimming areas always swim with a friend always swim with a friend, don’t’ swim under the influence of alcohocl or drugs, always swim in protected areas with a lifeguard

By Sunny Tsai SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — What is summer without swimming?

Unfortunately, that is one question people will have to ask if lifeguard shortages continue.

“Applications are down about 5 or 10 about what we usually get in the summer. I know that Syracuse Parks and Recreation are dealing with a much larger sort of shortage than we have been since last year even,” said Terrance Neidl, aquatics and safety director at Syracuse University.

Last year, Sylvan Beach even had to ban swimming due to the deficit of lifeguards.

Neidl believes this decline in people signing up to be guards is because of an academic trend.

“A lot of college students and a lot of high school graduating students are looking more into getting internships than sticking with traditional summer jobs. The lure of internships and career experiences is a lot greater nowadays than staying home with mom and dad.”

Neidl said the shortage is not  something that has or will stop him and his team from letting the community come in and swim. Sometimes, he has even had to be a guard himself.

As for the swimming safety public, Neidl advises to only swim in protected areas, never swim alone, and do not swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The city of Syracuse as well as the Sibley pool are still looking for lifeguards this summer.

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