ALLEGHENY COUNTY, Pa. — As the heat continues to crank up, some pools in Allegheny County are feeling a different kind of heat. Some facilities are having to close because they are unable to find the staff to cover.
All four county pools were closed Monday due to a staffing shortage. That included pools at Boyce Park, North Park, South Park and Settlers Cabin. Pools will reopen Tuesday at 11:30 a.m., weather and conditions permitting.
“Well, it’s 90 degrees and extremely hot, so we drove around for 30 minutes trying to find a swing set in the shade,” said Chris Rodack, of McCandless, who was trying to find an open pool to take his daughter swimming. “I mean, it’s a little disappointing. I can understand why they have a staffing shortage.”
Allegheny County officials said they have more than 100 lifeguards working long hours and they decided to close the pools on Thursday for the next few weeks to allow staff a day off.
“I think lifeguards should be focused, rested and get the proper breaks they need,” said Dawson Haydock, of Hampton Township.
The county said it also must accommodate vacation requests from staff and still make sure they have adequate weekend staffing when many families make plans to visit the pools.
“I mean, Saturdays, obviously, nobody is working. You’ve got open time to go to the pool, so that’s our best option to go,” Rodack said.
For additional information, visit www.alleghenycounty.us/pools or call the Boyce Park Wave Pool at 724-325-4667, North Park Swimming Pool at 724-935-1951, Settlers Cabin Park Wave Pool at 412-787-2668 or South Park Wave Pool at 412-831-0810.
Lifeguard Positions Still Available
Lifeguard positions are still available. Candidates must be at least 15 years old and have current lifeguard, first aid and CPR certifications. Lifeguard candidates must also successfully pass an aquatics test. Prior to taking the aquatics test, all applicants must present a doctor’s certification form, employment application and permission to investigate form. No aquatics test will be given without the required documentation.
Candidate must also pass a background check and be willing to work the entire season, including flexible hours, weekends and holidays. Returning lifeguards in good standing and applicants ages 18 and older will be given first preference.
Starting pay for lifeguards is $14 an hour. Training and certification is available at no cost to the applicant.
For additional information about serving as an Allegheny County Lifeguard during the 2021 swimming season, visit https://alleghenycounty.us/parks/careers/lifeguard-positions.aspx.
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