With the swimming season underway, a rising lifeguard shortage across the country is causing concerns about the safety of swimmers. Public pools and beaches may face closures as communities struggle to find and retain enough lifeguards to ensure public safety.
The shortage, exacerbated by the impact of the pandemic, poses an increased risk of drownings and pool injuries. Experts are urging authorities to address the staffing crisis to protect the public during the summer months.
The Challenge Behind the Rising Lifeguard Shortage
CNN reported that as Memorial Day marked the unofficial start of summer, swimming enthusiasts flocked to beaches, lakes, and pools nationwide.
However, the availability of lifeguards has become a significant concern for many park departments and agencies. The pandemic's disruption wiped the slate clean of certified lifeguards, leaving a dearth of trained professionals to monitor water safety.
Estimates from the American Lifeguard Association reveal that approximately one-third of the more than 309,000 public pools are affected by the shortage. This figure does not even account for the impact on beaches, water parks, and other venues, which may be forced to operate with limited hours, remain closed, or display "no lifeguard on duty signs."
According to the CDC, in the United States, drowning is a significant cause of concern, particularly for children. Among children aged 1-4, drowning surpasses all other causes of death. For children aged 5-14, drowning stands as the second leading cause of unintentional injury and death, trailing only behind motor vehicle crashes.
These statistics shed light on the magnitude of the issue. Annually, the United States witnesses an estimated 4,000 fatal unintentional drownings, equating to an average of 11 drowning deaths per day. Additionally, there are approximately 8,000 nonfatal drownings each year, averaging 22 incidents per day. These figures underscore the urgent need for enhanced water safety measures and the importance of addressing the lifeguard shortage to prevent such tragic incidents.
Pandemic Fallout and Recertification Challenges
As reported by Axios, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the lifeguarding landscape, leading to a scarcity of trained lifeguards across the United States.
Bernard J. Fisher II, director of health and safety at the lifeguard association, highlighted the devastating impact, stating that the pandemic had wiped the slate clean for certified lifeguards.
Moreover, the recertification process required every two years poses an additional challenge. The renewal of existing lifeguard certifications contributes to the shortage this year, further straining the already limited lifeguard workforce.
Adam Katchmarchi, executive director of the National Drowning Prevention Alliance, expressed concerns that some facilities might choose to operate without adequate safety staff, putting patrons at higher risk of accidents.
The Impact on Communities and Safety
Communities across the country are feeling the strain of the lifeguard shortage, raising worries about public safety. As stated by CNN, New York City, for example, typically requires around 1,400 lifeguards to adequately staff its beaches and pools. However, officials are grappling with the staffing strain this year.
Gregg McQueen, a press officer for New York City Parks, acknowledged the challenges they face, stating that the city's lifeguard ranks were severely depleted due to losses during the pandemic.
Many potential and certified lifeguards found employment elsewhere, exacerbating the shortage. However, efforts are underway to bolster staffing levels, with over 200 new recruits and over 280 returning lifeguards currently undergoing the certification process.
The lifeguard shortage is not limited to New York City alone. Similar challenges persist in various communities across the nation.
The American Lifeguard Association warns that without adequate staffing, pools and beaches may have to shut down, further limiting safe swimming options for families during the summer.
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