Lifeguard Shortage Leaving Some Minnesota Pools, Beaches Unsupervised

CBS Minnesota

June 8, 2021

Jumping in feet first isn’t just a phrase at the Ridgedale YMCA. It’s part of the training to ensure a group of avid swimmers can soon fill an essential need, according to aquatics director Meagan Matrejek.

“They will walk away with a lifeguarding certification, CPR for the professional rescuer, first aid, and in this class they’ll also be learning administering emergency oxygen,” Matrejek said.

A lifeguard shortage is hitting the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota, forcing some pools to close and beaches go unsupervised. St. Cloud is closing all seven of its wading pools for the entire summer. The city says COVID-19 restrictions were rolled back too late for it to budget for pool operations and salaries for lifeguards. Splash pads will stay open.

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