“We’ll still be able to have the amount of protection and the beaches open that we’ve had in the past, just not as many bodies.” “Our numbers are a little bit shorter than they were last year,” Downey said. This year, most lakes will be open for swimming Wednesday through Sunday instead of all week because of persisting shortages, according to officials.īeating the heat in Lake Hopatcong at Hopatcong State Park in Landing, N.J., Wednesday, July 20, 2022ĭown at the Shore, Atlantic City’s Beach Patrol Chief Steve Downey said the city’s beaches are not as fully staffed as they’d like to be, but swimming schedules will not be impacted because of it.Īs of mid-June, the Atlantic County resort city, where lifeguards get paid a rate starting $127 a day, was short about 20 of the 165 guards it needs to be fully staffed, officials said. In 2021, swimming was delayed and prohibited at some lakes after the state was unable to recruit enough guards. start time, said Jenna Matousek, Cranford Pool’s aquatics director.Īt lakes managed by the New Jersey State Park Service - including those at High Point, Hopatcong, Parvin, Wawayanda, Swartswood and Round Valley - difficulties in hiring lifeguards are limiting swim schedules. In Cranford Township in Union County, operators of the two community pools, which have about 1,500 members every summer, said that they’re also falling short of their lifeguard goals.īecause of shortages, until further notice the Union County swimming facility will be opening its pools on weekdays at 12 p.m. The facility hopes to open by July 1 if it’s able to recruit enough guards after their upcoming training session, Soriano said. They need at least 12 to open, officials said.ĭespite increasing the starting pay from $15.50 to $16.50 per hour and offering free American Red Cross lifeguard training to candidates, the pool hasn’t been able to meet its staffing needs, Soriano said. The Warren Township outdoor swimming facility, which about 400 members frequent every summer, has only four certified lifeguards as of earlier this month. Others said that they’ve managed to successfully fill all of their positions with the help of incentives, pay increases and recruiting programs.Īt Warrenbrook Pool in Somerset County, the search for guards has been so tough the facility hasn’t been able to open for the season yet, according to Geoff Soriano, the secretary-director of the county’s park commission. This summer, some beach towns and swimming facilities say they are still struggling to find and train people to take the stands. Over the last few years, lifeguards shortages have resulted in swimming restrictions, delayed openings and reduced operating days at New Jersey pools, lakes and beaches. For those who like to sit on the beach and enjoy the view, you may continue to do so,” Beachwood officials said on the borough’s website. “For the safety of all, the borough requires that no one goes swimming this year.
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