Pittsburgh trying to find lifeguards to open as many pools as possible
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Summer is just around the corner but cooling off at the pool may be a challenge. Pittsburgh leaders are looking at trying to keep as many open as possible, but it's not expected to be all of them.
"Me and my friends were actually really excited, hoping the Schenley pool would be open because we hang out here a lot," Elena Siskind of Oakland said.
"We were just excited because it's so close to Oakland and there's not many other places to swim. It's not like you can swim in the river," Siskind said while relaxing in Schenley Park.
According to Mayor Ed Gainey's office, the city has 96 lifeguards and needs 145 to open 12 pools like it did last year, and feel they are on pace to get there. The city has a class this weekend with at least 20 people scheduled. The mayor wants to have more pools open than last year.
"We want activities for our children this year. This is one way for activities in our city," Gainey said.
All 18 pools haven't been opened together since 2019. The Homewood pool already won't open while the park gets renovated. City Council President Theresa Kail-Smith was asked if council would consider changing the residency requirement for lifeguards.
"There's enough kids in the city of Pittsburgh that need jobs and that should be part of the requirements," she said inside the council chambers.
She added that these positions have had pay increases and applicants don't need to be a teen. They can be someone who is off during the summer or stays at home. Census data shows the city lost about 5,000 teens 15-19 in population from 2010 to 2020.
People hope the pools are opened soon so kids have somewhere to go during the summer.
"Cause they could get into some things that are detrimental to them, young people need wholesome activities," said Myrtle Jackson, who has grandchildren living in Pittsburgh.
At this point, no word on when or how many pools will open. Traditionally pools open around the time Pittsburgh Public Schools has its graduation, and that's June 16.