Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Aquatics topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Staff warns Snyder Pool may close amid lifeguard shortage; council seeks options
Summary
Parks & Recreation staff said the city has five lifeguards available and estimated Snyder Pool requires about $160,000 per year to operate with two lifeguards; without hires the Snyder Pool could close in about two weeks, prompting council requests for alternatives.
Parks & Recreation staff warned council that a citywide lifeguard shortage has left the department with five lifeguards and that Snyder Pool may need to close within roughly two weeks unless more certified lifeguards are hired. The director said, "we simply don't have the staff to staff it. We have 5 lifeguards. And if you have to choose 1 or the other between the natatorium and the Snyder, the natatorium gets twice as much, maybe even 3 times as much usage as the Snyder Center does."
Staff estimated operating Snyder Pool at about $160,000 a year for two lifeguards plus utilities and chemicals. Council members pressed for mitigation ideas, including rotating closures, outsourcing lifeguard duties, raising membership fees or seeking school district support for lifeguard funding; staff cautioned that rotating closures still carry utility and chemical costs and that certified lifeguard availability is limited.
