Cool Waters To Remain Closed For 2022 Season Amid Lifeguard Shortage

MILWAUKEE, WI — The Cool Waters water park in West Allis is expected to remain closed through the 2022 season as Milwaukee County continues to deal with a lifeguard shortage.

The summer pool season begins in June, with numerous wading pools, splash pads and outdoor pools expected to open. Several Milwaukee high schools will also have open swim and lap swim times, according to a news release from the county. But after half a year of recruiting, the county says it has hired only 60 lifeguards, short of the 200 needed.

For the 2022 season, there will be no lifeguards at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee, Grant Park in South Milwaukee or Doctors Park in Fox Point, according to the county's news release. In addition, Cool Waters Aquatic Park, located at Greenfield Park, 2028 South 124th Street in West Allis, has not been slated to re-open this summer.

"Challenges hiring lifeguards have been seen by communities across the region and even the whole country," said Guy Smith, the executive director of Milwaukee County Parks, in the news release. "So, unfortunately, many cities and towns are having to limit the aquatic facilities they're opening."

Although the county will only be able to open limited facilities this summer, officials are working to ensure equitable access to pools in the entire county, Smith said in the news release.

The county said it's giving another chance for people to become lifeguards. An express session at Pulaski Park starting Monday and running to Thursday, from 5-7:30 p.m. each night, will be open for applicants to become a lifeguard. The session would be ideal for strong swimmers, and applicants will need to pass a test on May 28, the county said.

Numerous pools around the county will remain open this summer. Here's the list the county announced:

Water Parks
Schulz Aquatic at Lincoln Park in Milwaukee will be open June 11-Aug.20.

Deep Water Outdoor Pools
Sheridan Park in Cudahy will be open June 18-Aug. 20.
Wilson Park in Milwaukee will be open June 18-Aug. 20.
McCarty Park in West Allis will be open June 18-Aug. 2o.

Splash Pads
Madison Park in Wauwatosa will be open June 11-Aug. 13.
Moody Park in Milwaukee will be open June 11-Aug. 13.
Gordon Park in Milwaukee will be open June 18-Aug. 20.
Carver Park in Milwaukee will be open June 18-Aug. 20.
Dineen Park in Milwaukee will be open June 18-Aug. 20.

Wading Pools
Cooper Park in Milwaukee will be open June 11-Aug. 13.
Smith Park in Milwaukee will be open June 11-Aug. 13.
Humboldt Park in Milwaukee will be open June 11-Aug. 13.
Wedgewood Park in Milwaukee will be open June 11-Aug. 13.
West Milwaukee Park in West Milwaukee will be open June 11-Aug. 13.
Hales Corners Park in Hales Corners will be open June 11-Aug. 13.
La Follette Park in West Allis will be open June 18-Aug. 20.
Lindsay Park in Milwaukee will be open June 18-Aug. 20.
Sherman Park in Milwaukee will be open June 18-Aug. 20.

More information about swim time at Milwaukee high schools can be found through the city's recreation department.

More information about other pool and park hours can be found through MKEswim.com.