The National Lifeguard Shortage: A Threat to Summer Plans
As summer approaches, concerns about a critical shortage of lifeguards have emerged, putting the safety of public pools and beaches in peril. According to reports, the COVID-19 pandemic reduced the number of certified lifeguards, and the situation is unlikely to improve anytime soon. In this article, we examine the reasons behind the shortage, its implications, and what stakeholders can do to address the problem.
The Causes of the Shortage
There are several reasons why the United States is experiencing a nationwide shortage of lifeguards. The most immediate cause is the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted the industry and led to a decrease in the number of certified lifeguards. Many people left the profession during the pandemic due to a lack of work, while others moved on to other jobs that offered better pay or working conditions.
Another contributing factor is the rigorous training and certification requirements for lifeguards. The training can take up to six weeks and involves both classroom instruction and practical experience. Additionally, lifeguards are responsible for the safety of swimmers and must be able to perform CPR and other life-saving techniques in emergencies.
Lastly, the pay for lifeguards is relatively low. According to Indeed, the average wage for a lifeguard in the United States ranges from $9.72 to $22.18 per hour, which is below the minimum wage in some states.
The Implications of the Shortage
The shortage of lifeguards could have serious consequences for public safety. With many pools and beaches understaffed, there is a higher risk of drowning incidents and other accidents. Moreover, the closures of public wading areas could lead to a decline in physical activity and social isolation for many people, particularly those who live in urban areas or do not have access to private pools.
Apart from the threat to public safety, the lifeguard shortage could also harm the tourism industry. Many beach towns and resorts rely on lifeguards to attract tourists, and the closure of public beaches could lead to a decrease in revenue for local businesses.
Efforts to Address the Problem
To address the shortage of lifeguards, local governments and private organizations have taken several measures. Some cities, such as New York, have increased the pay and benefits for lifeguards to attract more recruits. Others have launched public awareness campaigns to encourage people to seek certification and training for lifeguard jobs.
Some private organizations have also stepped up recruitment efforts. For example, the American Lifeguard Association has launched a nationwide campaign to recruit more lifeguards and train them in the latest life-saving techniques. Additionally, some organizations have offered incentives such as scholarships, free training, and health benefits to attract more lifeguards.
The Role of Lifeguards
Lifeguards are an essential part of the community, and their role goes beyond preventing accidents. They provide a sense of security and comfort to swimmers, especially children and elderly people. They also educate the public about safety and rescue techniques and act as first responders in emergencies.
However, being a lifeguard can be a challenging and demanding job. It requires physical stamina, mental alertness, and constant vigilance. Lifeguards must also be able to work in stressful and demanding environments, often for extended periods.
Conclusion
The shortage of lifeguards is a pressing issue that requires urgent attention from all stakeholders. Governments, private organizations, and the public must work together to address the problem and ensure public safety. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of lifeguards and their role in protecting communities. By providing adequate training, certification, and incentives, we can attract more people to this vital profession and ensure that public pools and beaches remain safe for all.
Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a critical shortage of lifeguards in the United States, risking the safety of public pools and beaches. The shortage is due to a decrease in the number of certified lifeguards, the rigorous training requirements for lifeguards, and the relatively low pay for the profession. The shortage could lead to an increase in drowning incidents, decrease physical activity, and harm the tourism industry. To address the problem, governments, private organizations, and the public must work together to attract more lifeguards and ensure public safety. The role of lifeguards goes beyond preventing accidents and includes providing a sense of security and comfort to swimmers, educating the public, and acting as first responders in emergencies.
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a national lifeline shortage could get in the way of your summer plans.
Public pools and beaches are at risk of dangerous staff shortages after people left the lifeguard profession due to lack of work during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, the pandemic “completely wiped out the list of certified lifeguards,” said the lifeguard association’s director of health and safety, Bernard J. Fisher II. Axios.
Although pandemic restrictions have eased, trained first responders have not returned to their posts, which may force public wading areas to be closed for safety reasons. He US Consumer Product Safety Commission reported an upward trend in non-fatal drowning injuries since 2020.
“We are experiencing a critical national lifeguard shortage, with more than 309,000 parks and pools (country total), more than half of them seeing closures or reduced hours,” said American Lifeguard Association spokesman Wyatt Werneth. . fox business.
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To scale, Werneth, who was chief lifeguard in Brevard County, Florida, more than a decade ago, said more than 100 people applied for two available beach lifeguard positions at the time. But this year only two people showed up for training with 50 positions to fill, he said. npr In an interview.
According to the outlet, the change in dynamics is likely due to the rigorous training and responsibility it takes to be a lifeguard and low pay. The average wage for a lifeguard in the United States is between $9.72 and $22.18 per hour, Indeed informed.
Still, the payment may not be the main culprit. New York City increased its lifeguard salary by 9% and added a sign-on bonus, but the metropolis only has a third of the lifeguards it needs for public beaches and pools, for CBS News.
Other major cities, such as Indianapolis, Phoenix, and Philadelphia, have also taken the lead in raising wages and training.
But while cities are desperate for life preservers, Werneth cautions that with the job comes great responsibility.
“It’s more than a summer job,” Werneth told CBS. “Lifeguards have the unique advantage of letting people know that danger exists and staying out of that danger.”
https://www.entrepreneur.com/business-news/need-a-summer-job-theres-a-nationwide-lifeguard-shortage/453727
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