Council presses administration for plan as lifeguard shortage keeps Snyder Center partially closed

Parks and Recreation director Jamie Lee (speaker 10), called to the podium by a council member, told the council the department is struggling to recruit certified lifeguards and outlined the American Red Cross swim-and-qualification requirements. "When people say just go hire a bunch of lifeguards, it's just not that simple," Lee said, describing the pretest and certification steps.

Council members and a stream of senior residents pressed for a timetable and a specific plan to reopen the Donald Snyder therapy pool, which users say provides essential rehabilitation. Councilman Marshall (speaker 9) said the problem has persisted for years and demanded a firm date: "We need to know when you're gonna fix this problem… 2 weeks, find a way to say this is what we decided," he told the mayor and administration.

Administration and the mayor said the city is exploring multiple approaches, including raising pay, partnering with schools for certification classes, targeted recruitment at nearby bases and facilities, and a possible swim-at-your-own-risk program with signage or monitored observers. The mayor suggested October 1 as a date tied to budget discussions for pay changes, but Marshall rejected that as insufficient. The council recorded no immediate policy vote; staff said they will report back and continue to evaluate legal and budget implications.

Multiple senior pool users described the therapy pool as medically necessary. "If we have to swim at our own risk, we'll do that," said Janice Kemp Ivy (speaker 20), a frequent Snyder Center user. Other public commenters urged waivers, flexibility on scheduling, and temporary staffing shifts to preserve therapy access for people with mobility or chronic health conditions.