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Officials warn pool could be in jeopardy as lifeguard and pool-staff applications lag
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Summary
Council members said the borough had only about 15 applicants for summer pool jobs and urged residents and neighboring communities to apply, warning that without more hires the pool may not open on schedule.
Council members told the Borough of Northampton meeting that hiring for seasonal pool positions is lagging and could put the summer pool season at risk.
Council member Westcott reported the borough had "only 15 applicants for the pool," and said the borough needs to "at least double that" number to staff lanes, cashiering and lifeguards. "If we don't, there's not gonna be a pool," Westcott said, urging more outreach to schools and swim clubs to recruit candidates.
Recreation staff said season passes are scheduled to go on sale May 1 at the Northampton Recreation Center and that the usual opening is the first Saturday in June, with June 6 given as a likely date. Officials said applications for pool manager, assistant manager and lifeguards remain open and encouraged nonresidents from nearby townships to apply if they can obtain working papers.
Why it matters: the pool is a major summer program for residents and a revenue source for the recreation center; insufficient staffing would force the borough to reduce hours or potentially close the pool for the season.
Council members discussed multiple outreach channels — including contacting local schools, swim clubs and community groups — to increase the applicant pool and noted turnover from graduating seniors as a recurring staffing challenge.
What's next: recreation staff and council members said they would continue recruitment efforts and report back; no formal action was taken at the meeting beyond appeals to apply.
