Pool season is upon us, and while there figures to be plenty of swimmers it’s the lack of city lifeguards that is a concern.
With lifeguard recruitment already still struggling from pandemic effects, even improved COVID statistics don’t seem to be reversing the lifeguard shortage in Glendale. Last year the city was able to open only one of the two municipal pools at a time because of staffing limitations, and this spring looks even more challenging.
Glendale Recreation Administrator Paul King says the best-case scenario would be to have between 110 and 115 lifeguards on staff. That would be enough to fully operate both pools and still provide cover during sick and vacation time among staffers without stressing resources. Maricopa County requires a minimum of around 32 to 35 lifeguards on deck in order to open both Foothills Recreation and Aquatic Center, 5600 W. Union Hills Drive, and the Rose Lane Aquatics Center, 5003 W. Marlette Ave.
