New York City still struggling to hire lifeguards as Memorial Day approaches
NEW YORK -- Summer is just around the corner, but there is still a major lifeguard shortage in the Big Apple.
Officials say they only have one-third of the necessary staff to open all beaches and pools.
Memorial Day marks the beginning of beach season in New York City, but for the second year in a row a lifeguard shortage is threatening to sink plans.
"I hope they are going to put that back on track because we missed out last year," said Natasha Kasinenko of Coney Island.
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The city needs 1,400 lifeguards in total, but only about 500 are currently in the pipeline. At a budget hearing Monday, Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue sounded the alarm.
"We are in the throes of a national lifeguard shortage that continues. You are seeing it all across the country," Donoghue said.
The need isn't from a lack of trying. Last month, the city approved a pay raise for lifeguards from $19.46 to $21.26 per hour. It also offered a $1,000 bonus.
Marcus Farrow is a lifeguard instructor at Life Time. While the health club is fully staffed, he says citywide the applicant pool is still recovering from COVID.
"There weren't any classes being offered during the pandemic, so they had to extend some people's certification. Kind of had to scrounge around to find where to get certified and some people were just like ahh, won't get re-certified then," Farrow said.
Last year, a similar shortage forced the city to cut hours and cancel free swim lessons.
While the commissioner is committed to bringing back classes this summer, hours will likely be cut again.
"If we get to a number around 800 or 900 that would open one shift of our pools and beaches, so 11-7 is what we are anticipating," Donoghue said.
If fully staffed, lifeguards could be on duty as early as 8 a.m.