Pittsburgh To Open 15 City Pools; Lifeguard Shortage Abated

PITTSBURGH, PA — After a rigorous recruiting effort that resulted in the hiring of 145 lifeguards, the city will open 15 pools on Saturday, June 17.

The pools that will open are Ammon, Banksville, Highland, Jack Stack, Magee, McBride, Moore, Phillips, Ormsby, Ream, Riverview, Schenley, Sue Murray, West Penn, and Westwood. Banksville, McBride, Riverview and Sue Murray will operate on a five-day schedule.

A mechanical issue is preventing the Bloomfield pool from opening. The Homewood pool is unable to open due to a park renovation project, and required renovations at the Shearden pool will keep it empty this summer.

Friday's announcement ends concern that many city pools might not be able to open this summer because the city had difficulty hiring lifeguards. As recently as last week, CitiParks director Kathryn Vargas predicted only a dozen of the city's 18 pools might open.

“We appreciate the community’s support in this year’s lifeguard recruitment efforts. We are encouraged with the growth of our team and being able to open 15 pools,” said Kathryn Vargas, Director, CitiParks.

Season pool tags will be available for purchase at all entry gates to pools beginning opening day. Pittsburgh youths 15 and younger can swim free with a CitiParks rec membership tag, which are free any can be obtained at any city recreation center.