Allegheny County

Dozens of lifeguards needed in order to open Pittsburgh pools

PITTSBURGH — The City of Pittsburgh needs to recruit dozens of lifeguards in order for all of its pools to open for the season.

“It’s one of the challenges that we continue to face as a city,” said spokesperson Maria Montaño.

Montaño told Channel 11 that the city is hoping to recruit 40 to 50 new or returning lifeguards within the next couple of weeks. In order to attract applicants, wages have been raised once again this year. The starting pay for new guards is $16.48 per hour, while experienced lifeguards can earn up to $19.05 per hour.

“It’s a great opportunity for paying summer jobs, but also a potential career,” Montaño said. “We’ve had folks who have been lifeguards and go on to serve in our public safety bureaus, our river rescue teams. So, it’s a fantastic opportunity to start a career right here in the City of Pittsburgh.

Lifeguard applicants must be city residents and must be at least 16 years old by Sept. 5, 2023. The city provides the necessary training, certification and courses required for the role. Applicants typically cannot select which pool they’d prefer to work at.

Currently, there is no pool opening date set. Montaño said that leaving certain pools closed would be a “last resort,” but the city may have to make “tough decisions” in the weeks ahead, depending on how many apply.

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