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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 for training veterans to mentor new hires.
The department said since Jan. 1 it has recorded roughly 836 registrations with combined revenue of about $67,000 and noted summer camp registration and pool membership work is imminent. Program managers said they are trying to avoid registering participants for offerings they cannot staff and are coordinating with the public schools’ extended‑year programs for staffing flexibility.
Staff and commissioners discussed pay and retention as a primary driver. The department said Needham has been the lowest paying among nearby towns for lifeguard positions over the last three years and some returning staff have declined to return for higher pay elsewhere. The department has been in discussions with Human Resources about bumping pay on the step scale and about returnee differentials; HR has an annual step schedule that will increase rates effective July 1 and the department said it has asked HR whether it can accelerate or augment step increases for returning staff.
Commissioners recommended elevating the issue to town management or the Select Board if necessary. Department staff also plan more on‑campus recruitment at the high school and additional interview sessions; they reported multiple interviews scheduled the week after the March 10 meeting.
The staffing shortage also affects programming decisions: the department said it will consider limiting or canceling swim lessons to ensure lifeguards are available for public safety duties and will prioritize lifeguard coverage over instructor coverage if required.
No formal vote was taken; staff requested the commission’s support to pursue HR options and to inform town leadership about recruitment and pay pressures.
