A shortage of lifeguards at public pools is being reported on the national level. Staffing is not currently an issue as the swimming season opens in Lexington.
Zach Martin manages aquatics in Lexington’s Parks and Recreation Department. He says the three-day Memorial Day weekend was extremely busy at the city’s pools. They expected a high turnout and got it. Martin said there are enough lifeguards in poolside chairs with more to come.
“We had a raise in the minimum wage for the city employees, up to 15 dollars an hour. And I think that’s really helped us staff the lifeguards.”
Martin said after two classes of new guards are certified the city will have more lifeguards than any time in recent years. He thinks word of mouth by last summer’s guards has helped attract new applicants. Plus, Martin said the pay raise took the hourly rate above some fast-food pay.
He noted there were a lot of first-time guards last summer, following the COVID break in swimming activity.
“They had a great time working here and it’s a very fun job. Sitting out in the sun. Get a nice tan. Help your community. Save some lives. And they had a great time and they got their friends to come and lifeguard this year, so we got a lot of word of mouth as well. I think that helps us a lot.”
The aquatic director said swimming lessons are offered at four pools. He said they include parent and me classes up through age 12 along with some adult classes.
