District to fund lifeguard training, partner with city for summer swim program at new pool

The Atascadero Unified School District told trustees it will support a proposed city‑run summer swim program at the district’s new pool by funding lifeguard training and offering facility access at the district’s tier‑1 rate.

Assistant Superintendent Kendall Darnell described an emerging partnership with the city’s recreation department and said the city will present its plan to the City Council in April. “The district is committed to funding the cost of lifeguard training,” Darnell said, adding the district will provide pool access at its tier‑1 facility use rate so cost is not a barrier while the city develops the program.

Why it matters: A year‑round pool and an organized summer program could expand student and community swimming opportunities, create seasonal employment for local youth and increase public use of the district facility. Trustees and staff noted timing concerns because lifeguard training includes testing and roughly 50 hours of training, and the county and other agencies also run training programs that compete for certified lifeguards.

Next steps: The city council’s April review will determine final dates, staffing and advertising. If the council approves the plan, district staff said they will coordinate recruitment and communication with students about lifeguard training and employment opportunities and will share public swim schedules once the city finalizes them.

Board action: This was an informational update; no board vote was required at the meeting.