Wichita pools are short on lifeguards. Here’s how to apply

With summer approaching, the city of Wichita is warning it may have to reduce hours at its six municipal pools because it doesn’t have enough lifeguards.

Right now, city parks officials said, they’re down 40 lifeguards less than two weeks before pools open on Memorial Day.

“I don’t think it’s ever been as low as it’s been this year, currently, trying to get staff,” City Recreation Superintendent Angela Buckner said.

Each city pool needs about 12 to 15 lifeguards, depending on a number of factors, including pool size.

The city said the shortage doesn’t affect any pools in particular, but that it would have to spread out staffing and reduce hours if it doesn’t meet the numbers of guards that it needs.

“The goal is to have equitable access for all communities while maintaining safety standards, so a continued shortage would impact operating hours/days at all pools in the City,” city spokesperson Megan Lovely said.

Wichita isn’t the only city seeing issues with recruiting lifeguards. Augusta announced earlier this month that it would reduce its pool hours for the same reason. The city said other pools are experiencing the same issue nationwide.

“I haven’t heard of any reason for the shortage, that I’m aware of. I just know there’s a lot of communities out there that are struggling to get lifeguards this year. Wichita’s not the only one,” Aquatics Director Joe Martens said. “Nationwide it’s a shortage.”

How to become a lifeguard

Those interested in becoming a lifeguard must be 15 years old or older.

The city provides and pays for the training to be certified to become a lifeguard. The training lasts for about an entire weekend starting on Friday evenings, according to Martens.

Applications to become a lifeguard can be found on the city’s website.