Opening day for Wichita pools is a few weeks away. Will city have enough life guards?

Although it might not feel like it yet, pool season is just a few weeks away.

All six Wichita pools will open on Memorial Day, May 29, and Joe Marten, the aquatics recreation supervisor, said there could be some early surprise openings for the splash pads. Keeping an eye on the Wichita Park and Recreation social media is the best way to find out when these will be open.

The city is still looking to hire 40 more lifeguards to ensure all the pools can be open during regular business hours. The goal is to have 12 to 15 lifeguards at each pool.

If that number isn’t met, open swim hours may be shortened. There could also be rolling closures, with some pools closed during regular hours to ensure there are enough lifeguards on duty at the open facilities.

“It’s a fun summer job,” Marten said. “You’re with your friends, you’re helping your community and you’ve learned some lifelong skills along with that.”

Lifeguard applicants must be at least 15 years old and be able to demonstrate required swimming, CPR and first aid skills. Lifeguard certification, which includes CPR and first aid training, is offered free to everyone looking to work at a Wichita pool, according to Marten.

In addition to lifeguards, positions are still open for splash pad operators, cashiers and swimming pool managers. Visit wichita.gov/aquatics for position requirements and to apply.

Swim lessons, swim team and other activities will be offered throughout the summer. Here’s a few more things to know before packing your pool bag on Memorial Day.

• Because of high levels of vandalism, new security cameras will be installed at all of the pools for full-time monitoring. They will have the ability to detect when people are approaching the pool or have broken onto the grounds. Marten said that he doesn’t know if all the cameras will be installed by opening day, but the project has been approved by the City Council.

• Swim lesson and team registrations are open. Technique classes are available for all skill levels and age groups over six months old. Aqua aerobics will also be available as a low-impact workout class. Class prices range from $30 to $100. The first swim meet of the year will be June 12, but registration will remain open until June 19.

• Fees for a one-time admission to the pool are $3 for individuals or $15 for families. However, to qualify for the family rate, there must be eight people and at least one adult. Die-hard pool-goers will also have the option to buy a season family pass starting at $210 for groups of four. An additional $40 charge will apply to any additional family members and no more than eight can share one pass. An individual season pass is $70.

• Each pool will have a free swim day where admission to the facilities will be free, as long as you’re wearing the proper swimming attire. See below to see when free swim day is happening at your pool.

• College Hill (304 S. Circle Drive): June 4

• Aley (1800 S. Seneca): June 24

• Orchard (1062 N. Clara): July 9

• Harvest (9500 W. Provincial): July 15

• McAfee (1240 E. 14th St. N.): June 18

• Minisa (1350 N. Jeanette): July 23

This story was originally published May 2, 2023 at 2:46 PM.