This summer is shaping up to be a scorcher, but the shortage of lifeguards at public pools is making it difficult for Brooklynites to cool off.
The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation has hired around 800 lifeguards for its public pools and beaches, which is a steep decline from pre-pandemic numbers. Before the pandemic, the city employed 1,400 lifeguards for its 53 public pools.
“We’re doing all that we can to recruit and train as many lifeguards as possible,” Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue said at a City Council hearing in May 2023. “We are clearly still facing a very challenging hiring environment.”
As a result of the shortage, Brooklynites may experience restrictions on pool usage and longer wait times. When BK Reader visited Kosciuszko Pool in Bed-Stuy, some swimmers said they were waiting in line for more than an hour.
To decrease the waiting times, NYC Parks told BK Reader that pools with longer lines would employ a bracelet system for reservations while breaking up swimming sessions to allow other swimmers to splash around.
Swimmers in line had a lot to say about the issue.
“The reason we’re having a big shortage right now is due to the minimum wage issue going on,” said Terran Wright, who was waiting in line at the Kosciusko Pool. “Many of the lifeguards are being paid unfairly right now so that explains the reason behind the lack of lifeguards.”
Right now, first- and second-year lifeguards make $19.46 an hour, and officials said that any returning lifeguard who works an average of at least four days a week between July 8-Aug. 19 will receive a $1,000 bonus.
Tiffany Smith, who was also waiting in line at Kosciuszko, said this shortage might also pose a safety issue for poolgoers, which is especially frustrating for children and their caregivers.
“I feel like the pools shouldn’t be open until they have enough lifeguards,” Smith said. “There are too many kids drowning and dying due to such situations, and we need to prioritize the protection of our children.”
To combat the issue, there are a number of proposed solutions from city officials and local nonprofits.
On July 3, NY Gov. Kathy Hochul signed statewide legislation lowering the minimum age of lifeguards at children’s camps so that 15-year-olds can lifeguard as long as they pass all requirements and have adult supervision.
Citywide nonprofit Boys’ Club of New York has launched Project Lifeguard: A free, all-gendered deep water certification training welcoming all New York City participants ages 15-21.
People in line at Kosciuszko Pool also had some ideas to get more lifeguards on duty.
“They could give them more salaries or make it more attractable,” said Annika, a Brooklyn local.
Smith said it’s an issue of safety, above all else.
“Essentially this could result in more fatalities. We urgently require lifeguards, as well as swimming classes. Safety should also come first. We must endure the well-being of our young ones.”
To find your local outdoor public pool, go here.
