Pittsburgh Attempting To Tackle Chronic Lifeguard Shortage

PITTSBURGH, PA — Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, hiring enough lifeguards to work all of the City of Pittsburgh’s outdoor pools has become an increasingly challenging task. So with the impending arrival of spring, city officials are launching a recruitment effort for summer to keep as many pools as possible open when the weather gets hot.

For the past several years, the city has steadily increased the number of pools opened each year, with eight 8 in 2021, 12 in 2022, and 15 in both 2023 and 2024. This year, the total will depend on how many lifeguards that can be hired.

“We continue to work hard to garner increased interest in recruiting CitiParks lifeguards. We are encouraged by the enthusiasm our returning guards show each year, and we work hard to promote that with all incoming guards," Citiparks director Kathryn Vargas said. "Higher wages for 2025 will help with that. Lifeguard wages for 2025 will range from $17.48 to $20.16 per hour, based on experience.”

Lifeguard duties range from staffing normal operating hours of pools to working as head guards or as regional guards. Employees have the opportunity to learn and grow within CitiParks Aquatics, which may lead to other city employment opportunities. Many public safety professionals get their start in service as a lifeguard.

Lifeguards must be Pittsburgh residents, at least 15 years old, and willing to work at any CitiParks outdoor pool. Anyone interested in becoming a CitiParks lifeguard, whether a new candidate or a returning guard should fill out the 2025 lifeguard interest form, and CitiParks Aquatics will contact them.