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Loomis summer swim program in doubt as town struggles to recruit lifeguards
Summary
Loomis staff reported a near‑immediate shortage of certified lifeguards and a supervisor for the 2025 community swim program; council and staff said they are exploring fall or next‑year options and moving toward a town‑run model.
Town staff told the council June 10 that the 2025 Loomis community swim program faces a staffing shortfall that may force cancellation this summer.
Carol (recreation/parks staff) said the town historically relied on a handshake relationship with the Dolphin Swim Club, which provided lifeguards and supervisors while the town employed them. She told the council that the death of a longtime coordinator, lapses in lifeguard training this year and limited enrollment have left the town with only three potential staffers — one of whom was not certified.
“I’m not ready to call it quits on the program,” Carol said, “but I can’t guarantee that after maybe 10 days I’ll bring it back forward to Wes as to whether or not it makes sense to even just take this as a learnings experience.” She explained that for the pool size and typical attendance the town requires four staff on deck per shift — three guards and one supervisor (the supervisor must be fingerprinted).
Council members asked whether alternate providers had been contacted; Carol said she had reached out to nearby aquatics programs in Auburn, Roseville and other clubs and posted job flyers and boosted wages, but had only received one usable applicant.
Town Manager Wes told the council the town will develop a plan for next year “where the town is in control of the program, not depending on another organization to do on a handshake deal.” For 2025, staff said they will keep recruiting and may recommend either a truncated program or postponement.
No formal action was taken. Staff said they will return to council with a recommendation if the town cannot assemble the required certified staff for safe operations.
