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Rutland Town recreation director warns of possible pool closures amid lifeguard certification shortage
Summary
Recreation Director Mike Rowe told the select board the town lacks a full cadre of certified lifeguards because the usual certification pipeline (a local school program) is not available this year; he may have to limit lessons or close the pool on some days.
Mike Rowe, Rutland Town’s recreation director, told the select board on May 6 that the department faces a potential staffing shortfall for Northwood Pool because many prospective lifeguards have not yet obtained required certification.
Rowe said the town historically relied on a low-cost certification pathway run through the high school and the city rec program. “That’s not currently available,” he said. Rowe said some returning guards are certified, but the department may have as few as five certified lifeguards while a normal season requires a larger roster to cover lessons and hours.
Rowe outlined mitigation steps: he has identified a local candidate who might be willing to be trained as an instructor next year (Rowe proposed funding certification for a candidate), and he said he will make additional recruitment calls. As an interim measure, the department could send candidates to certification classes elsewhere, but those sessions are costly and often scheduled close to or after the pool opening date.
“If I don’t have the younger group to stay and the college kids have to go to college, the pool is closed,” Rowe said, describing how summer staffing churn can create gaps. He warned the board that some lessons or open-swim days could be canceled early in the season while recruitment and certification continue.
Why it matters: Pool closures or reduced programming affect youth lessons, senior programming and townwide summer recreation planning. Filling lifeguard instructor capacity also has multi-year implications for local certification availability.
What’s next: Rowe will continue recruitment, seek low-cost instruction options, and report back to the board if program reductions or closures become necessary. The board asked to be notified in advance of any planned closures so they can respond publicly.
Context: Rowe said the town has previously paid for certification in some cases and may consider funding limited certification costs to ensure coverage. The select board did not make a formal policy change at the meeting.
