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City of Cordova PO Box 1210 • 601 1st St • Cordova, Alaska 99574 • (907) 424-6200 |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 4, 2023
Lifeguard Shortage Leads to Temporary Reduction in Pool Hours
A shortage of lifeguards means Bob Korn Memorial Swimming Pool will temporarily reduce its hours to the public during April – but a lifeguard recruitment drive is underway to help address the issue.
City has struggled to fill two permanent vacant lifeguard positions. Even with some staff working extra hours, City has been forced to temporarily reduce the public hours at Bob Korn Memorial Swimming Pool until lifeguard staffing levels have increased.
During April, the pool will be open in the mornings from Tuesday to Friday only with some additional hours on Friday afternoon. The pool will be closed on Mondays, weekday afternoons/evenings as well as on Saturdays.
“Our pool can’t operate without our frontline lifeguards as they play a key role in helping people in our community have a safe, enjoyable experience”, says Parks and Recreation Director Duncan Chisholm.
“This isn’t just a local or specifically a lifeguard issue. There is a major shortage of labor all around the world due to a number of factors including the impacts of COVID, and anecdotally young potential staff being interested in work with more flexibility, more pay, and less stress.”
“Being a lifeguard is a great job to consider as the skills obtained are transferable to general life including learning the value of team-work, improved communication skills and fitness, increased responsibility, and the importance of giving to the community. It’s also a job accessible to all demographics and backgrounds; the main criteria is an ability to swim!”
City encourages applicants who are 15 years and older, confident swimmers, and who have availability to work evenings and weekends. City offers certified lifeguard and first aid certification courses to interested applicants. Starting wage is $19.93 per hour.
“We hope the reduced hours will be temporary and are sorry for disappointing local swimmers.” says Director Chisholm.