CLEARWATER BEACH, Fla. — As summer crowds flock to beaches and pools across the Tampa Bay area, some local agencies are still working to fill lifeguard positions amid an ongoing nationwide shortage.
On Clearwater Beach, Beach Lifeguard Manager Patrick Brafford says they are looking to fill five part-time spots. He says they’re not getting as many qualified applicants as they used to. Pinellas County, which oversees popular destinations including Fort De Soto Park and Sand Key Park, is also continuing recruitment efforts.
University of Tampa rising junior Joey Agresta has taken an active role in helping address the shortage. Agresta, a lifeguard and trainer, estimates she has helped train approximately 250 people who have gone on to work in lifeguarding positions.
“You have to be vigilant. You have to be aware of your surroundings,” Agresta said.
Agresta believes lifeguarding offers valuable skills that extend far beyond the pool deck and beach.
“You are here being a first responder to save lives,” she said. “That’s something very valuable that you can bring anywhere you go.”
The shortage reflects a broader national trend. According to new data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, fewer teenagers are getting jobs during the summer months.
The American Lifeguard Association says many young people no longer view lifeguarding as a stepping stone to future careers, which has added to the shortage of interested and qualified applicants.
The impact has been significant. Last year, roughly one-third of the nation’s 309,000 public swimming pools were not fully staffed because of lifeguard shortages.
“It seems to be getting a little better because there are some incentives, and there is better pay that I have noticed across the board,” said Wyatt Werneth of the American Lifeguard Association. “Hopefully by the end of July, all the recruitment and training will be done, and we’ll have an idea of how bad the shortage actually is.”
The city of Tampa said it began aggressive recruitment efforts last fall in anticipation of increased summer demand. The city currently has 89 of its 97 lifeguard positions filled, with additional candidates moving through the hiring process.