Sunday, July 25, 1999
Lifeguards ... no problem
By Sara Eaton
Staff Writer
Although some area pools were lacking lifeguards near the beginning of the season, staffs are full now. According to Sycamore pool manager Jean Chester, other area pools were able to help her staffing shortage.
"Upper had too many. Two Upper guards came my way," she said.
She also said the classes were crammed together so two of her current guards could finish quickly. "Normally, they are six weeks long with one class a week, but they did it in one week. That really helped," she said.
Attica Pool received help from the village to staff the pool, said pool manager Sheryl Zellner. She explained that the village offered to pay for half of the cost of the course lifeguards are required to take.
"I think this was an incentive for many of the kids," she said.
Currently Attica has five lifeguards while Sycamore has seven.
The number corresponds with the amount of business each serves daily.
Zellner estimated seeing about 50 per day with two lifeguards all day, while Chester said Sycamore has about 100 people per day with three lifeguards all day.
Although the lack of guards caused a delay in the opening of the Attica pool, Zellner said there was not a real impact because of it.
"I don't think it's had much of an effect. The kids are still here. They looked forward to it right after school was out," she said, explaining the only disappointment.
Chester said the Sycamore pool opened June 5, which was the scheduled date.
She believes the bonus incentive Sycamore offers its lifeguards helps her maintain a staff.
"The 10 cent bonus has definitely helped us," Chester said, explaining workers receive a bonus check at the end of the year, 10 cents for every hour worked.
Both pools have been busier this year than last.
"We've been really busy this year. With this great 90 degree weather, we're up on memberships and daily passes," Chester said.
Zellner agreed, explaining that last year was especially bad for the Attica pool due to a lack of staff.
"This year, the only reason we have closed is for weather," she said, estimating two days for complete shut downs and seven for partial.
Both managers agree there are certain things that cause hesitation to the young guards.
"To be honest, I don't think the pay is enough," Zellner said.
Chester agreed.
"It's sad. They are responsible for children's lives. The responsibility is growing and the pay is decreasing," she said, saying this is a major reason for the shortages in lifeguards.
While summer fun started out slowly, now it is in full force at both pools.
"I hope my guards know that, the ones that return, I enjoy and appreciate them," Chester said.