New York City has decided to slightly lower its qualifications for lifeguards at kiddie pools as they continue to face challenges in recruiting enough staff for water rescues in the city. Lifeguards who have not completed the 300-yard timed swim, which is one of the final requirements, will now be allowed to work at shallow-water pools. Despite this change, they are still required to have all other certifications from the 16-week training program, including CPR, first aid, and rescue skills. Mayor Eric Adams sees this as a positive development for public safety at the city’s pools and beaches, potentially allowing for more lifeguards to be hired this summer.
The city has been struggling to recruit enough lifeguards for its pools and beaches, with officials noting that they only have a little over a third of the necessary lifeguards to staff the 14 miles of beaches opening on Saturday. However, there has been progress in hiring more lifeguards, with over 550 in training compared to just 375 last year. This increase is attributed in part to the higher pay and bonuses offered to lifeguards. NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue believes that the changes to the qualifications for lifeguards have been long overdue and will have a positive impact this year as well as for future summers. The changes were a result of a contract arbitration with the guards union, DC-37, which also included a tiered vision requirement to allow more people who use contacts to apply as pool guards.
While the reduction in qualifications for lifeguards at pools five feet and under is effective immediately, the change to allow more people who use contacts to apply as pool guards will not take effect until next year. It is noted that no one from the union was present at the announcement, indicating a possible disconnect or disagreement with the decision. Mayor Adams emphasized the importance of ensuring that every New Yorker can have a safe and enjoyable summer at the city’s pools and beaches, underscoring the significance of having an adequate number of lifeguards available for water rescues. The city is hopeful that the changes in qualifications will lead to more lifeguards being trained and hired in the future to meet the staffing needs at the pools and beaches.
Overall, the decision to lower the qualifications for lifeguards at kiddie pools in New York City is seen as a necessary step to address the ongoing staffing challenges faced by the city. Despite the reduction in qualifications for the timed swim requirement, lifeguards are still required to have all other certifications and training necessary to ensure public safety at the pools and beaches. The increase in lifeguards in training and improvements in hiring are positive signs that the city is making progress in addressing the staffing shortage for its water rescuers. Moving forward, it will be important to monitor the impact of these changes on the overall safety and operations of the city’s pools and beaches, while also considering potential future adjustments to the lifeguard qualifications to meet the ongoing staffing needs during the summer season.
