Lifeguards wanted: Worcester turns to YMCA to help fill vacancies
WORCESTER ― The city has had recent trouble recruiting lifeguards to man public pools and beaches, and it's turning to a familiar place for help.
The YMCA of Central Massachusetts was hired to recruit, train and hire enough lifeguards to open all of Worcester's aquatic facilities this summer, according to a press release from the city.
A shortage was felt last summer in Worcester, as the city fell short of its target of 40 to 50 lifeguards. When swimming areas opened last June, there were no lifeguards watching the beaches at Bell and Coes ponds. Indian Lake Beach didn't open for the second straight year. Some have linked the shortage to violent attacks on city lifeguards in 2021.
The Y was one of four proposals the city received and the release didn't name the other submissions. The job this summer includes staffing four beaches at Bell Pond, Coes Pond Beach, Indian Lake Beach, Shore Park and the Crompton Park pool from the beginning of July until mid-August.
Worcester will manage hiring at spray parks at Cristoforo Colombo and Greenwood parks, as well as trash removal, cleanup and water quality at all aquatic sites.
“We are thrilled to partner with YMCA of Central Massachusetts to staff our beaches and pools with lifeguards this summer to ensure residents have access to all of the city’s aquatic facilities,” said City Manager Eric D. Batista in a prepared statement. “The YMCA is a great community partner and has extensive experience with training and recruiting lifeguards and we look forward to a fun, thriving summer for the City of Worcester.”
An advantage for the Y is its indoor pool facilities and training programs, which will help with summer staffing, according to the release. Also, because the Y has year-round facilities, trained lifeguards will be able to transfer into year-round positions at its facilities.
“This collaboration will not only offer substantial workforce development and training but will also ensure vital water safety instruction,” said David Connell, president and chief executive officer of the YMCA of Central Massachusetts, in a prepared statement. “Most importantly, it promises a more impactful and enjoyable summer experience for our community.”
But attracting candidates could be a challenge because hourly pay appears to be higher for lifeguards at state pools and waterfronts. An hourly wage of up to $23 per hour is posted for lifeguards at places operated by the state Department of Conservation and Recreation. City positions pay $21 an hour.
Those interested in becoming a lifeguard can visit ymcaofcm.org or call (508) 770-6451 for more information.
Contact Henry Schwan at henry.schwan@telegram.com. Follow him on X: @henrytelegram.
This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Lifeguards wanted: Worcester turns to YMCA to help fill vacancies
