Chicago Park District increasing incentives for open lifeguard positions amid shortage
CHICAGO (CBS)-- You may want to hit the pool this week with temperatures in the 90s, but there may not be enough lifeguards to keep them all safe enough to open.
The Chicago Park District announced it will increase the recruitment and retention bonus to $600 for new seasonal lifeguard applicants and existing lifeguards. The park district will also extend a $500 bonus for existing district employees who refer qualified candidates to work as lifeguards this summer.
The park district is also offering year-round employment status after the summer ends
Plus, you no longer have to live here to apply.
The gates at a pool Portage Park were locked Thursday morning, according to CBS 2's Marissa Parra. However, there were signs of hope as crews cleaned and repainted the pool area ahead of a possible opening day.
"On hot days like the last couple days, it would have been nice to have a pool," a resident told CBS 2. "Fingers crossed."
The goal is for the park district to open all city pools by June 24.
The park district is feeling the pinch of a national shortage of lifeguards. It also comes months after the park district said it created a new office of prevention and accountability to rebuild trust following abuse scandals.
You can apply for the open lifeguard positions online now.