NEW YORK — New York City’s public pools are open for the summerbut some have sections closed due to a shortage of lifeguards.
Kids can finally enjoy the newly renovated Astoria Pool, but only a portion of it. The middle section of the pool is sandwiched between two large, empty sections. Opposite them are empty chairs because there aren’t enough lifeguards to keep an eye on the entire pool.
CBS New York
“This is a very small area for the kids. It’s very sad… How can we have lifeguards in New York City if no one teaches us how to swim?” said mother Ashley Clark.
The lifeguard trainer says that fewer people can swim
Mordechai Eliyahu has been teaching Lifeguard Training New York since 2008 and now sees a trend.
“More people are interested… Fewer people who can swim than I’ve ever seen,” he said.
He says he has started a lifeguard preparation course and it is popular, but by the time they are certified, summer is almost over.
“By the end of the summer, the shortage will be ten times as big. These people will get a certificate, they will have to go to university. Then the salary will really go up,” he said.
Mayor Adams says NYC can afford to hire more lifeguards
With more than 600 lifeguards in the five boroughs, the city says more people have been hired than last year.
Mayor Eric Adams spoke with CBS New York’s Marcia Kramer about ‘The Point’ the city can afford to hire more people.
“We need people to be part of lifeguards. Young people, this is a good way to get into the work and we want to encourage them to become lifeguards,” he said.
The city parks department says more lifeguards will be on duty in the coming days as it plans to recertify more through the Fourth of July.
How to Become a Lifeguard in NYC?
Applicants must be at least 16 years old, have at least 20/30 vision in one eye and 20/40 in the other without corrective lenses, and be able to swim 50 meters in 45 seconds or less with proper form.
The qualification test consists of a swimming test and an eye test.
Candidates who pass the qualifying test must then complete a 16-session training program to receive certification.
More information about how to become a lifeguard can be found on the city’s Parks Department website.
