City plans year‑round pool programming; officials flag lifeguard shortage and recruitment push

Parks staff told the commission that heaters are installed and operating and that the city intends to keep at least one pool open year‑round to expand swim instruction, junior lifeguard programs and water‑safety training.

"The pool is gonna be open year round," staff said, and added that heaters are "up" and running, enabling winter lessons and additional programming. Staff reported a strong uptake this summer—more than 300 children participated in swim lessons across sessions—and said the department aims to build year‑round programming that includes lap swim, water aerobics and parent‑and‑child sessions.

The meeting also focused on a national lifeguard shortage constraining local operations: staff said the city has six pools theoretically but only one to two are consistently open because of insufficient lifeguard staffing. Starting pay ranges discussed in the meeting were cited at roughly $18–$22 per hour (exact advertised pay varies by position). Staff said they are recruiting year‑round, offering training (including funding for certification) and developing career pathways so lifeguards can advance to water‑safety instructors and higher pay grades.

Parks managers highlighted recent promotions and staffing investments: Michael Shakora was recognized as manager of aquatics and risk management and staff said they sent about 17 employees to train as water‑safety instructors this year. The department said it is also expanding first‑aid and community CPR outreach at events to improve on‑site safety.

Next steps: staff will continue lifeguard recruitment, use Centennial‑related funding for training, and report back on pool openings as recruitment yields certified staff.