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Needham parks department warns of lifeguard shortage; pool may open early but on reduced schedule
Summary
Parks staff told the Park and Recreation Commission that lifeguard recruitment lags this year, likely reducing program and pool hours; the department plans an early May 17 pool opening for limited lap swim if staffing allows and is asking HR and town leaders about pay and retention strategies.
Parks and Recreation staff told the commission on March 10 that a shortage of seasonal staff — particularly lifeguards — threatens swim lessons, pool hours and some summer programming.
Staff reported 21 confirmed lifeguards out of an anticipated 47 and said they would like to get closer to 40 before they feel comfortable with program staffing. “We will not be opening the pool full time … we are having a lifeguard shortage this year,” a Parks and Recreation official said, adding the department is considering limited lap swim starting May 17 to allow additional time…
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