But a nationwide lifeguard shortage will likely curb those plans for some, as cities around the country take measures to combat the lack of personnel, including keeping some pools and beaches closed. Austin, Texas, will have fewer than half its city pools open by early June, officials there told CNN. The city has been able to hire just over 30% of the 750 lifeguards required to operate all the pools, according to a news release. Having unmanned pools can be dangerous or even deadly, Fisher said. “The public perceives lifeguards to have a sort of do-nothing job,” Keihl, the instructor said.

Source: CNN May 30, 2022 03:31 UTC