Chicago beaches reopen this weekend

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of the summer, with barbeques, parades, and trips to the beach.

Chicago's 22 beaches officially opened for the season on Friday.

Lifeguards will staff the beaches every day from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Labor Day.

"We have our lifeguards out here making sure that people are safe in and around the water," said Sam Jorden, a lifeguard and aquatics instructor for the Chicago Park District.

Lifeguards are ready to welcome people to the lakefront, but it's not just about safety in the water. Chicago Park District leaders are taking steps to make sure the spaces along the lake are fun and protected for everyone to enjoy.

"We're going to have our safety unit out, which includes the park security, also with our other team members from Chicago Police and Chicago Fire," Jorden said. "We want to make sure everyone here enjoys their time at the lake, [and] goes home safe."

Chicago Park District swimming pools won't open until June 23. The Park District said they're optimistic they'll have enough lifeguards for every pool to open.

The Park District is offering a $600 bonus for lifeguards who successfully complete all required training and fulfill their duties during the summer.

The last lifeguard skills test is scheduled for June 3 at Skinner Park. You can apply for lifeguard positions and sign up for a skills test on the Park District website.