Lifeguard Shortage Across U.S Affects Thousands of Local Pools and Beaches

According to the New York Times, tens of thousands of local pools and beaches have been left without lifeguards, preventing many pools from opening or causing them to have reduced hours. NPR reports that the lifeguard shortage affects about one-third of public pools in the U.S. There are a few different reasons why this shortage is occurring. First, the low unemployment rate means that teens and young adults have more job opportunities than usual. Second, COVID-19 caused many lifeguard training classes and swimming lessons to be suspended over the past two years. Finally, there are simply fewer teens today than in past decades, creating a smaller pool of applicants. Some cities and private employers have tried to win over more lifeguards with new incentives. For instance, the parks department for the city of Grand Rapids, Michigan, covered the cost of lifeguard training this year.



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