The United States is expecting to experience a lifeguard shortage for the second summer in a row, which may close thousands of pools nationwide.
According to The American Lifeguard Association, a national lifeguard shortage could impact over 300,000 pools across the country. Pools that do open may see significantly reduced hours and may struggle to stay open, according to Bernand J. Fisher II, Director of Health and Safety at the lifeguard association.
Drowning is fast and silent. It can happen in as little as 20-60 seconds, according to the YMCA. Every year there are an estimated 3,960 fatal unintentional drownings in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The YMCA reported that 24 percent of U.S parents have low confidence in water activities or bodies of water.
Due to this shortage, the city of San Diego is looking to hire 100 lifeguards across its 14 pools, as reported by ABC 10 News. The city is offering incentives such as paid training and a position that pays $15 to $17 an hour.
The Parks and Recreation Department will hold a job fair on June 24 for several positions, including lifeguards, at the Balboa Park Club at 2144 Pan American Rd. W from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
