lifeguards

Lifeguard Maggie Storti (left) keeps an eye on visitors to the North Boundary Park swimming pool and waterpark on July 9, 2020, in Cranberry Township, Pa.

Lifeguards are scarce, and it might be affecting your local pool

7:00am June 05, 2022

by Rina Torchinsky

The shortage — affecting about a third of U.S. public pools — has led some to reduce hours or close altogether. The pandemic and earlier rhetoric about work visas for foreigners led to the problem.

To help keep weak swimmers safe, stay "touch-close" and don't rely on a busy lifeguard to be the only eyes on a crowded pool or beach. It's best, say experts working to prevent drownings, to designate a nondrinking adult to scan the water at any pool part

You Could Save A Child From Drowning This Summer. Here's How

7:00am July 03, 2021

by Kristen Kendrick

A swimmer of any skill level might need your help, and preventing a drowning takes closer supervision of the kids than you might think. The distress signs can be subtle and quick.

Surfers gather on the beach in Ocean City, N.J., in June of last year. A 52-year-old lifeguard who was fired by the city has won a $130,000 age-discrimination suit.

National

Fired At 52, Jersey Shore Lifeguard Wins Age-Discrimination Suit

6:58pm August 09, 2017

by Scott Neuman

Paul McCracken says the city he worked for raised the requirements for fitness and swimming tests as part of an effort to force out older lifeguards.

A shortage of lifeguards across U.S. cities could be a fallout of the recovering economy.

During Pool Season, Even Lifeguard Numbers Are Taking A Dive

6:31pm July 28, 2015

by Leoneda Inge

This summer, even the most crowded pools are struggling to hire enough lifeguards, and are cutting hours as a result. In a rebounding economy, teens are opting for higher-paying jobs or no job at all.

Queue Listen Now