Lifeguard shortage could impact your summer pool plans

MECKLENBURG COUNTY, N.C. — As the days get longer and the temperatures get hotter, many families will be looking to a pool to cool off, but another lifeguard shortage this year could limit options in Mecklenburg County.

This weekend, the outdoor pool at the Brace Family YMCA in Matthews is set to open, but with limited hours due to the shortage.

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“It’s tough. We’ve tried to get ahead of it. We’ve gone into high schools. Our aquatic director has been at every single high school. I’ll be a Ardrey Kell tomorrow. We’re trying to get them to join our team,” said Ame Guy, associate director of Aquatics/YMCA of Greater Charlotte.

>> Channel 9′s Gina Esposito has been covering this issue since last summer, and in the video at the top of the page, she breaks down how many lifeguards are needed this year.

Below if information for anyone interested in becoming a lifeguard in Mecklenburg County.

YMCA

Short 200 lifeguards, 100 swim instructions
$10/hour and up depending on experience
Offering FREE lifeguard certification training
$250 incentive to employees and Y member who refer a lifeguard
For more information, click here.

Carowinds

Short 100 lifeguards for Carolina Harbor, which opens Memorial Day weekend
Paid raised to $15.50/hour and up
Offering FREE lifeguard certification training

Mecklenburg County

Ramsey Creek Beach will open on Memorial Day. It could not open last year due to the lifeguard shortage.

“We currently have enough lifeguard staff to open our two outdoor pools (Cordelia Pool & Double Oaks Family Aquatic Center) and Ramsey Creek Beach. Specific days and hours of operation will be determined closer to the start of the season based on staffing levels. In addition to the outdoor pools and Ramsey Creek beach, MCPRD operates four indoor aquatic facilities that operate year-round, so we are constantly recruiting, hiring, and training lifeguard staff. We offer a competitive starting pay rate of $15 per hour and we provide free lifeguarding certifications for all new hires. Anyone interesting in a working as a lifeguard with Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department can call 980-314-1159 or email us at Lifeguards@Mecknc.gov for more information.”

(WATCH BELOW: Alabama lifeguards carry 95-year-old beachgoer to her spot every day)