Westchester County seeks lifeguards for county pools and beaches

County pools and beaches have been restricting hours or staying closed altogether because they don't have enough lifeguards.

News 12 Staff

Jun 6, 2021, 3:26 PM

Updated 1,216 days ago

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A worker shortage has been impacting restaurants across the country -- but they're not the only ones who need help.
County pools and beaches have been restricting hours or staying closed altogether because they don't have enough lifeguards.
COVID-19 has made it more challenging to get new lifeguards the training and certifications they need, according to reports.
Westchester County officials will be at the County Center Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. to help those interested in lifeguarding apply on the spot.
Applicants must be 15 years or older to apply, with training requirements and tests that need to be passed.
Peter Tartaglia from Westchester County Parks says if they don't get a few dozen more lifeguards by the end of the month, sections of the county pools may be closed off.
"This past week and this weekend we've received a lot more [applications]," he said.
The starting wage is $16 an hour.
The City of Poughkeepsie put out a message this weekend saying they are offering $500 bonuses for lifeguards as they work to open their pools.