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City promises fixes after lifeguard shortages force aquatic center hour cuts
Summary
Residents raised concerns after Lake Havasu City reduced early‑morning lap‑swim hours because of lifeguard staffing limits. City Manager Jessica Newton said the city has about 55 vacancies citywide, cited state limits on part‑time hours and promised both short‑ and long‑term plans to restore service.
Residents at the March 27 Coffee with the Mayor session pressed city leaders about sudden reductions in aquatic center hours and limited lap‑swim availability. City Manager Jessica Newton said staffing shortages — roughly 55 vacancies across departments — are the principal cause.
"We have about the last report that I saw a couple of days ago of, 55 vacancies, throughout the city," Newton said, adding the shortfalls span police, fire, public works, parks and other departments. Newton explained the city also must follow state rules limiting part‑time employees to no more than 20 hours per week for extended periods, which complicates scheduling for lifeguards.
Several swimmers urged alternatives such as keeping some morning hours, redistributing shifts, or recruiting high‑school and college students with tuition incentives; one resident said early morning lap swim is critical to users’ mental and physical health. "There's so many people in this community that depend on that pool at 5AM for their mental health, their physical health, and wellness," a resident said.
Newton said staff are developing short‑ and long‑term plans and will meet with department heads to identify immediate mitigations and recruitment strategies. "What we need to focus on is a solution moving forward. I need a short term plan and I need a long term plan," she said.
Mayor Cal Sheehy apologized for the disruption and asked to meet with affected users after the session to gather specific suggestions. Officials said they will explore recruiting, contracting and creative scheduling to expand coverage while complying with state employment rules.
The city encouraged residents who can work as lifeguards or volunteer coaches to apply, and said more detailed operational decisions will be announced after staff complete scheduling reviews.
