APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – It’s almost Memorial Day weekend, and pools across the nation are experiencing lifeguard shortages.
The Downtown Oshkosh YMCA is up and running for summer 2021.
But aquatics director Dan Braun tells FOX 11 they could use some more lifeguards on staff.
“We need lifeguards, we need staff, a lot of pools in our area are in the same boat that we are.”
The Downtown Y teaches American Red Cross lifeguard certification courses.
2020 classes were canceled because of the pandemic, so potential lifeguards couldn’t get trained.
Now that pools are opening again, and certification classes are available, the numbers are down. Braun says long-time lifeguards found other jobs.
“Back in 2019 when we averaged more courses, we averaged 16-20 with two instructors in the course. This year we are seeing 10-11.” .
But the Downtown YMCA still found enough staff to open up.
In Kaukauna, a lifeguard shortage isn’t threatening summer fun at the pool.
“We are going to be opening all of our services this year,” said City of Kaukauna Recreation Director, Jeff Malloy.
Malloy tells FOX 11 Red Cross certification is done in-house.
“We are kinda fortunate because we try to bring in good kids and we try to bring them in ourselves. So we are not relaying them to be already certified when they come to us.”
Appleton also has certification instructors on staff.
“Appleton is very fortunate, we have enough staff to operate both of our facilities which is great,” said Appleton Recreation Programmer, Olivia Kovac.
Kovac says Erb and Mead Parks will open on time.
She says it’s rare for the community not to have interested guards.
“Usually they swim here when they’re younger and they end up becoming lifeguards and staff.”
Appleton City pools did not open at all in 2020 and Kaukauna swimmers had limited access.
Now, both cities open on June 4 and are ready to see swimmers jump in.
The City of Oconto is not opening its pool due to needed repairs and a lifeguard shortage.
