Auburn Recreation District pools open amid a shortage of lifeguards

Auburn Area Recreation and Parks District is short lifeguards, for a second year in a row. ARD is short about four or five lifeguards, said ARD Recreation Services Director Mark Brunner, which means the there can be no public swim sessions held on the weekends. "It doesn't sound like a lot, but it's a big deal," Brunner said. Brunner said that the problem isn't ARD's alone; there are neighboring agencies that also face a shortage. Part of the issue is the preparation required to be a lifeguard. A lifeguard needs certification and training, which ARD usually hosts in the spring. Another challenge ARD has faced is college students not returning home looking for summer jobs. "There is a theory that people can go work at fast food for more money," Brunner said. "You have to plan ahead to be a lifeguard. It's a skill based job so it's harder to recruit once summer is going." Brunner said the lifeguards ARD does have is younger high school aged students, who he found are eager to work. Typically there are high school and college aged lifeguards, usually a 50/50 split he said. Brunner said that the goal of ARD was to open up the pools for the weekend, but the organization was forced to scale back. "If someone has the certification and they are looking for a job, please come to us, we will take them," he said. "If we get those four to five extra lifeguards we will be opening up weekend dates to help people beat the heat this summer. As of now Sierra Pool is open 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, with a special free snow cone events every Monday. Placer Hills Pool in Meadow Vista is scheduled to open June 13 and will remain open 1-4 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The fee to visit public swim sessions are $4 for children 6 and under and $5 for 7 and older. All persons entering the pool must pay the fee, swimming or non-swimming. A family of five can also purchase a swim pass for $144 for the whole family. For more information, visit auburnrec.com.