Staffing shortages at local pools leave some families high and dry
A hot summer day is a perfect time to hit the pool, but some families are finding it harder to beat the heat due to staffing shortages.
Public outdoor pools in Raleigh are operating on a rotating basis this summer due to a lack of lifeguards.
Starting Friday, Longview seasonal pool began operating Friday through Sunday on a rotating basis with Biltmore Hills. One facility will be open each weekend.
As more staff is hired, Lake Johnson and Ridge Road pools will be added to the rotation so two pools per weekend will be open.
Millbrook, Optimist and Pullen lap pools, which operate year-round, will continue to be open daily.
The indoor Buffaloe Road Aquatic Center will be open to the public for lessons and recreational swimming on weekdays from 4 to 7 p.m., on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m.
In 2019, the parks department had 205 lifeguards, pool managers and assistant pool managers on staff. All three of those positions must be certified American Red Cross Lifeguards. Currently, there are only 69 lifeguards, pool managers and assistant pool managers on staff. These seasonal employees will work about 25 to 35 hours per week.
In an effort to recruit more lifeguards, the city is reaching out to swim teams, neighborhoods and schools. Find out more about applying to be a lifeguard.
Staffing levels have pushed back Lake Wheeler Park's opening date to June 20. It will be open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
Lake Johnson's Waterfront Center won't start offering watercraft rentals until July 8. It will be open Friday through Sunday. No walk-up rentals will be available. People will need to register in advance for an "open paddle" program online through the RecLink website.
The shortages have not stopped Pullen Park's train and carousel, which are open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pedal boat rentals, carnival games and other pop-up programming will resume throughout the summer.
The John Chavis Memorial Park carousel is continuing its modified schedule of being open Tuesday and Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 5:30 p.m.
