STATE WIDE--When public pools in cities across Indiana opened this year, many had to limit hours or cut back on availability because of a shortage of lifeguards. Wyatt Werneth, spokesperson for the American Lifeguard Assoc., and a career lifeguard himself, explains that the shortage is being cause primarily by competition from easier jobs. But, that’s not the only factor.
“The pandemic has affected us,” he told Terri Stacy on WIBC’s First Day. “Also J 1 work visas were canceled and we would get a lot of students from Europe that would come over from Europe, believe it or not. Russia and Ukraine, they’re at war.”
He also said that restaurants and retail stores have raised pay rates and those jobs tend to be easier. You don’t have to be a strong swimmer, for instance, to work at Kohl’s.
LISTEN: Wyatt Werneth talks with Terri Stacy on the lifeguard shortage
Werneth said there also hasn’t been any recent inspiration like there was when “Baywatch” was on the air.
“We haven’t had anything like ‘Baywatch’. We had the movie come out (2017) and I’ve got to say we saw a spike because of popularity of the movie. But, since then we haven’t had anything to carry that excitement.”
When Indianapolis pools opened in May, the city had about 100 lifeguards, about half the normal compliment. Ft. Wayne also had a shortage and had to limit hours of operation. In Evansville they have raised the pay rate from $10.25 per hour, to $13, but are still not able to attract all the lifeguards they need.
Werneth said just the characteristics of a good lifeguard limit the number of people who can qualify for the job.
“You have to be a special person to be a first responder in the first place. Then you couple that with you have to be a very strong swimmer and you have to learn to be observant,” he said, adding that being observant can’t always be taught. It must be somewhat inherent.
He said that while areas with beaches have career lifeguards, who are generally well-paid and work year-round, the shortages are coming in areas of the country, like Indiana, where pools are open for a few months, making the employment window rather small and short-term.
Werneth said to get employment up, some inspiration would be good. He said another show or movie like “Baywatch” that showed the trade in a good light could get more people interested.
He also said that since the trade was started as part of an effort from the Coast Guard, that people should know more about the nobility of the position.
“If we were more recognized as professionals instead of just part-time, summer time, I think that would help the image a bit.”
