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Gary parks staff report lifeguard shortfall, training costs and certification process
Summary
Quality program manager Jesse Thomas told the Gary parks board the city is staffed with fewer lifeguards than desired — about 12 on duty versus an ideal target of 19 — and that lifeguard training costs listed in the claims report are American Red Cross certifications of $306 each.
Jesse Thomas, quality program manager for the City of Gary, told the parks board on July 17 that the department is operating with fewer lifeguards than it considers ideal. Thomas said the department currently has about 12 lifeguards and that the staffing target for full coverage is 19.
Thomas explained that charges appearing in the claims report for "lifeguard training" reflect American Red Cross certification costs and identified $306 as the per‑person training amount recorded in the claims listing. "So after each lifeguard goes to the training, they receive certification," Thomas said in response to board questions about the entries in the report.
Board members pressed on staffing adequacy and whether coverage could be maintained through the rest of the season. Thomas said the operation can continue with current staff but reiterated that 19 lifeguards is the preferred staffing level. He did not provide a detailed recruitment timeline in the transcript excerpt.
The discussion closed with acknowledgements of the busy summer season and condolences offered by board members for recent losses noted in the community.
