St. Pete Lifeguard Shortage Causes Pool Closures, Reduced Swim Lessons

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — A lifeguard shortage in St. Petersburg could affect your access to city pools and YMCA pools along with swimming lessons, according to WTSP.

"For the first time ever, the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg had to close its pool, reduce hours and discontinue swim lessons because it didn't have the staffing," WTSP reported.

The shortage is another of the issues caused by the pandemic. In 2020 and 2021, American Lifeguard Association saw a major decrease in signups for lifeguard certification training in Tampa Bay and across the nation, WFTS said.

"The public could see reduced hours, capacity requirements, and fewer swim lessons at city pools," said Rebecca Hansen, the manager of St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation.

A 30-percent increase in drowning deaths in 2021 was reported by the Department of Children & Families.

American Lifeguard Association hopes to call back lifeguard retirees to help fill the gap.

If you are at least 15 years old and would like to become lifeguard certified, visit St. Pete Parks and Recreation.

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