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In 2023, nearly half of the city’s public pools were closed.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The city of Jacksonville is working ahead of schedule to make sure sure its swimming pools will be open during this summer.
In 2022, nearly half of all city pools were closed because of a lifeguard shortage and maintenance issues. The issues persisted into last summer as people in Jacksonville had to find other ways to beat the heat.
“I think lesson learned from last year,” Councilwoman Ju’Coby Pittman told First Coast News. “Our chief for parks and recreation has been diligent in going out in the community.”
Now, city pools are set to open in 12 weeks and officials have increased the budget for lifeguards. Starting pay in 2023 for new lifeguards was $14, and now is $15.
To qualify for becoming a lifeguard, applicants have to be at least 15-years-old. Additionally, applicants must be able to swim 300 yards, treat water for two minutes and retrieve a 10-pound brick from the bottom of the diving well.
“I’m very hopeful to ensure we have enough staff this year to cover all the pools,” Pittman said.
Full course training to be a lifeguard starts March 11 at Cecil Community Center on Jacksonville’s Westside.
