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# Lifeguard Shortage Crisis Leads to Beach and Pool Closures Across the U.S.

By ali abbas / July 7, 2025

Many families are greeted with closed gates and closed signs as summer approaches and they hope to unwind at nearby pools and beaches. The source is this: A national lifeguard shortage—a crisis that has grown in recent years and threatens public safety as well as restricts access to recreational aquatic amenities. Once strong and well-attended, lifeguard training programs are having trouble maintaining demand, which has nationwide repercussions.

The lifeguard shortage is now a serious public safety issue rather than just a temporary bother. Many towns are compelled to shut facilities or reduce operating hours in the absence of properly trained employees on duty, thereby increasing the vulnerability of communities—particularly children. Few cities or states face this problem alone. Waves from coast to coast are being driven by a national disaster.

## Why Are There So Few Lifeguards?

A few elements cause the lifeguard deficit; the problem is more complicated than just a lack of interest. First, many former lifeguards who left their jobs during the COVID-19 crisis have not come back. Lockdowns stopped lifeguard training courses and caused recertification to expire for thousands of people. When limitations were removed, a gap in the labour that still needs to be filled developed.

Secondly, the character of the work itself presents difficulties. Physical exertion, ongoing alertness, and usually low pay—all characteristics that discourage some possible hires. Furthermore needing both time and money investment are lifeguard classes. Particularly for young adults juggling school or other employment, this might be a barrier.

Also important is a lack of awareness and promotion of the lifeguard job. Many college and high school students just no longer see it as a possible summer employment. Some are oblivious of the advantages and abilities obtained from lifeguard training including CPR competence, emergency response, and leadership.

## Impact on Public Pools and Beaches

Thousands of public and private swimming pools are feeling the consequences of the lifeguard shortage. Dozens of public pools in big cities have closed for the season or greatly shortened their hours. Once packed with summer action, beaches currently have warning signs advising visitors that swimming is at their own risk because of a lack of trained personnel.

This might have economic ramifications in addition to limiting recreational chances for towns. Local companies depending on summer foot traffic—such as concession stands, rental stores, and beachfront eateries—are experiencing income drops as fewer people travel to locations with no safe swimming possibilities.

Moreover disproportionately impacted are youngsters and adolescents who depend on public pools for swim lessons, social events, and cooling down during severe heat waves. Urban areas and poor neighborhoods are particularly struck since access to private pools is restricted and community pools are crucial.

## Safety Risks and Drowning Concerns

The rise in drowning risks is maybe the most upsetting effect of the lifeguard shortfall. National health agencies report that drowning continues to be among the top causes of unintentional death among American children. The presence of qualified lifeguards greatly lowers this rate. Families are left to oversee swimming activities on their own often without the requisite abilities to react in crisis, thus without them.

This is not only a conceptual worry. Reports from several states show terrible occurrences at unattended pools or beaches. These accounts stress the desperate need for increased funding for lifeguard recruitment programs and training.

## Addressing the Shortage: The Role of Lifeguard training

Good, available, and attractive lifeguard training programs are the foundation of any answer to this problem. Rebuilding a solid lifeguard staff depends on expanding the selection of training programs and removing obstacles to participation.

The guard safety is not only about being able to swim; it involves intensive training in CPR, rescue and emergency response activities, as well as customer service. The skills learned can be lifesaving, and the training fosters confidence and accountability.

Some areas have started providing bonuses, free lifeguarding classes, and better salaries to recruit new applicants. Others are beginning to develop their outreach programs in universities and high schools to showcase some of the benefits of becoming a lifeguard, including flexible seasonal work, leadership experience, and resume building.

## Innovative Solutions and Community Efforts

Given the scarcity, several cities and private pool owners are implementing innovative ideas to preserve safety levels. Some are employing older lifeguards—including retirees—bringing their useful experience to the post. To expose teenagers to the industry and get them ready for certification later on, some are developing junior lifeguard initiatives.

Community involvement is also a top priority. Parents, teachers, and civic groups are being urged to help the word about lifeguard training possibilities circulate. To emphasize both the need of the situation and the fulfilling aspect of lifeguard work local news coverage and social media campaigns are being used.

Additionally little but increasing role is technology. In a few places, new technologies under testing include automated rescue equipment and AI-powered pool monitoring systems. Experts all agree that while these instruments can aid, trained human lifeguards are irreplaceable.

## Media Coverage and Expert Analysis

The media have noted the continuous lifeguard shortage. Closures and their pressure on public services have been covered extensively by both online and print news organizations. These reports often offer expert analysis on the causes and solutions linked to the problem.

Often cited in these articles for its commanding voice on water safety and workforce development is the American Lifeguard Association. Leading nationally in aquatic safety training, the Association has been critical in spreading knowledge of the present crisis and proposing policy ideas. Frequently shown on television pieces and cited in reports, their spokespeople draw attention to the critical need to improve lifeguard training systems and to stress the public safety function of lifeguards.

## Call to Action: Reviving the Lifeguard Force

A multifaceted approach is required to solve the lifeguard shortage successfully. This covers opening access to lifeguard courses, raising public funding in training initiatives, and changing the view of lifeguarding from a summer job to a crucial public utility.

Communities should give lifeguards the same priority they would for other vital services. To support and sponsor lifeguard training programs, pool operators, city councils, and municipal governments should cooperate. Incorporating aquatic safety lessons into their extracurricular offerings can also help schools and institutions.

Finally, continuous work and collaboration will be needed if we want to turn the tide of this catastrophe. The advantages—safer swimming settings, rehabilitated public facilities, and lives saved—make it a difficult yet worthwhile endeavour.

Leading this national campaign is the American Lifeguard Association. By means of education, advocacy, and specialist training initiatives, the organization is dedicated to reconstructing the lifeguard population of the country and guaranteeing the confident and safe operation of every pool and beach.

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