Did the lifeguard shortage improve this summer?
The city still fell short to staff more than 1,000 lifeguards that city officials said were needed to fully staff beaches and pools this summer.
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According to the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, they were able to staff 930 lifeguards this summer. That number is up 30% from last year, when the number for all lifeguards was only 850.
The city still fell short to staff more than 1,000 lifeguards that city officials said were needed to fully staff beaches and pools this summer.
The parks department is already gearing up to start recruiting for next year as soon as this season ends. Steps were also taken to attract new recruits, including renegotiating the lifeguard contract for the first time in 40 years. The salary increased to $22 an hour with a $1,000 bonus. Testing and training were also expanded to meet New Yorkers in the outer boroughs. The tests for lifeguards were also modified for those who only worked at kiddie and other shallow pools.
