During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the pressing issue of lifeguard pay and the operational challenges faced by the local aquatic center. The conversation highlighted a significant turnover of lifeguards, attributed to competitive pay rates at other pools, prompting a need for a review of compensation structures.

Currently, the aquatic center offers a three-year compensation plan for lifeguards, starting at $11.02 per hour and increasing to $14.33 by the third year. Despite this, officials acknowledged that these rates are on the lower end compared to neighboring facilities, which complicates recruitment efforts. The discussion revealed that many lifeguards are teenagers, with a considerable portion being 15 years old, which limits their working hours due to labor laws.

The meeting also addressed the financial implications of lifeguard wages on the aquatic center's budget. Officials noted that while they are not seeking immediate increases in lifeguard pay, the sustainability of current rates is under scrutiny. The center has experienced challenges in maintaining adequate staffing levels, particularly during the post-season when school resumes, leading to potential safety concerns.

In addition to lifeguard compensation, the council considered raising rental rates for private parties at the pool. Currently, the aquatic center charges $800 for a three-hour rental, but officials proposed increasing this to $1,000 or even $1,200 to better align with operational costs. The analysis indicated that the center has been subsidizing party rentals significantly, with expenses often exceeding revenue.

The council is weighing the potential benefits of these rate increases against the need to keep the pool accessible for community use. The discussion underscored the delicate balance between maintaining safety standards, ensuring adequate staffing, and managing the financial viability of the aquatic center. As the council moves forward, decisions regarding lifeguard pay and rental rates will be crucial in shaping the future operations of the facility.