Become a Lifeguard

Lifeguards play a crucial role in ensuring water safety at beaches and pools. Unfortunately, a shortage of lifeguards has become a huge problem across the country. 

Several cities and organizations have taken steps to address the lifeguard shortage. The impact of the lifeguard shortage in Los Angeles County has been especially significant, including:

• Reduced Pool Hours: Due to the shortage, many LA County swimming pools have had to cut operating hours in half. This reduction affects approximately 25 county pools, with half of them open on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and the other half open on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

• Limited Capacity: Some pools may operate at limited capacity due to the lack of available lifeguards. This means that fewer swimmers can be accommodated, potentially affecting community access to safe swimming facilities.

• Recruitment Challenges: Ironically, due to pool closures, people are not learning to swim as pre-COVID, which has led to fewer qualified applicants.

• Competition and Low Pay. Lifeguards earn a relatively low wage compared to other jobs. In addition to having to complete extensive training, it can discourage young people from pursuing lifeguarding summer jobs.

To address this ongoing issue, the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation recently increased hourly wages for lifeguards working at public pools and county lakes. Additionally, they’ve made the swim test for aspiring pool lifeguards less challenging, lowered the age requirement to 16, and are actively trying to make lifeguarding a more accessible job opportunity. However, the shortage remains a concern, and pool hours could still be reduced this summer if enough lifeguards are not hired. 

Addressing the lifeguard shortage requires collaborative efforts and creative ideas:

• Encourage more people to become lifeguards through recruitment drives and streamlined training programs can help bridge the gap.

• Incentivize young people, focusing on swim and water polo teams, to consider lifeguarding jobs.

• Offer competitive pay, bonuses, and career advancement opportunities that can attract and retain lifeguards.

• Raise awareness about water safety and the vital role of lifeguards ensuring public support and participation.

• Increase participation in programs like the Los Angeles Country Junior Lifeguards.

The lifeguard shortage poses a significant challenge to water safety. By implementing proactive measures, communities can mitigate risks and ensure that everyone enjoys a safe and fun experience in the water. It’s crucial to prioritize water safety and find sustainable solutions to ensure that our communities can enjoy swimming while being adequately protected!