As temperatures rise in the Bay Area, many families are eager to find relief from the heat through activities like going to the beach, swimming in pools, and taking swimming lessons. However, these popular options have become challenging due to shortened hours and long waitlists. Novice swimmers may face additional difficulty this summer as swimming instructors are in short supply. The ongoing pandemic has continued to impact public swimming pools and parks, exacerbating last year’s shortage of lifeguards and now adding a shortage of swimming instructors. The excessive heat warning in the Bay Area and high temperatures in the East Bay have led to increased demand that cannot be met. In San Francisco, lifeguard rosters are only 77% full, pool hours in Los Angeles County have been cut in half, and recreation centers in the East Bay are operating with only three-quarters of their usual staff. Pete DeQuincy, the aquatic manager at the East Bay Regional Park District, explains that the shortage is a complex issue. High attrition rates for swim instructors, combined with a strong labor market for low-wage workers, have created an unstable staffing situation that will likely persist for several years. Many young people are opting for jobs in other industries where they can earn higher wages. Additionally, the pandemic’s impact on school facilities has led to a lack of practice opportunities for high school and college students, making poolside jobs less appealing. The shortage of lifeguards also affects swim lesson availability, as lifeguards often teach private lessons to supplement their income. At Pleasant Hill Aquatic Park, lifeguards like Sarah Philson, who comes from a family of lifeguards, not only work in their lifeguarding roles but also teach swimming to children. However, scheduling conflicts can arise, and substitutes may be needed to fill in for instructors. The high demand for swim lessons has made it difficult for parents to secure spots for their children, with some facilities unable to accommodate everyone. This shortage is a result of staffing issues and pent-up demand. The Dolores Bengtson Aquatic Center in Pleasanton has also experienced reduced operating hours and program availability due to staffing transitions. In Santa Clara County, a lack of lifeguards has led to limited hours of operation at the Morgan Hill Aquatic Center and quickly filled summer swimming lesson slots. City aquatic coordinator Susie Nguyen hopes for a return to full operation. To address the shortage of swimming lessons, DeQuincy suggests registering for fall lessons when pools are still open but less crowded. In the meantime, it is important to prioritize water safety by swimming in designated areas with lifeguards, swimming with a buddy, and using life jackets. The American Red Cross advises keeping young children within arm’s reach, even when wearing a life jacket, and not solely relying on inflatable toys for flotation.
Bay Area Pools and Beaches Experiencing Reduced Hours Amidst Lifeguard Shortage in Heat Wave
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