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Houston reopens 20 pools this weekend and is recruiting younger lifeguards to expand coverage
Summary
City Pulse reports 20 pools are open this weekend — the most since before COVID — and Parks and Rec is recruiting younger lifeguards, including hiring 15-year-olds, with a target to have all 36 pools open by June 10.
Houston Parks and Recreation staff told City Pulse that 20 city pools were open this weekend, the most open on a weekend since before the COVID-19 pandemic. Field reporter Matt Musil visited TC Jester Pool and credited recent recruiting efforts led by Deputy Director Prentice Collins for expanding pool staffing.
Musil said one recruiting change was offering lifeguarding jobs to 15-year-olds "for the first time ever," a measure staff described as expanding the candidate pool and involving family members in supporting teen lifeguards. A Parks and Rec speaker explained the department aimed to have all 36 functioning pools open for Houston families by June 10.
Deputy Director Prentice Collins was identified in the segment as leading the recruiting strategy; the program highlighted challenges from a nationwide lifeguard shortage and framed the recruitment changes as a response to staffing constraints. The report emphasized free public access and encouraged residents to use pools while following posted safety rules.
