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Neverending search: swimming facilities always looking for lifeguards

Submitted photo by Adam Towles Just as lifeguards are always looking for swimmers, swimming facilities are always looking for lifeguards. The lifeguard shortage became critical during the pandemic, and it’s improved, but more lifeguards are always needed, according to New Ulm Park and Recreation Director Tom Schmitz.

NEW ULM– There are enough lifeguards for pool facilities to operate this summer, but more are needed.

“We have always been in and always will be in the lifeguard recruitment business,” New Ulm Park and Recreation Director Tom Schmitz said Monday.

The lifeguard shortage has been an issue impacting pool facilities even before the COVID pandemic, but Schmitz said the pandemic exacerbated the problem.

Many pools and aquatic centers were closed during the pandemic. As a result, lifeguards were not needed, and the few who were interested in lifeguard training were unable to become certified.

Others who were already certified as lifeguards saw their certification lapse. American Red Cross lifeguard certification is only valid for two years.

Schmitz said the vast majority of aquatic facilities are looking to recruit lifeguards and water safety instructors (WSI). The WSI are needed to teach swimming lessons.

“We have enough lifeguards and swim instructors to operate, but we need more,” Schmitz said.

Schmitz confirmed some of the swimming lesson levels have waiting lists due to a limited number of swimming instructors.

New Ulm Park and Recreation does offer lifeguard training courses. The June lifeguard training course has already begun, with seven people registered for the class.

There will another lifeguard training class offered by Park and Recreation in July. Anyone interested in training is encouraged to contact New Ulm Park and Recreation at 359-8347.

The lifeguard shortage is not limited to New Ulm’s Aquatic Center. Nationwide there is a shortage of available lifeguards.

Flandrau State Park has opened its swimming pond, but under limited hours due limited lifeguard staff. Currently, the Flandrau’s swimming pond is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. It is closed Monday through Wednesday.

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