Dip in numbers

Once considered one of the hottest summer jobs, being a lifeguard seems to have lost its sizzle. For decades the suntanned lifeguard was an American icon, but over the past few summers fewer and fewer applicants have wanted the job. Nationally, some pools and beaches have had to reduce hours or post “swim at your own risk” signs as the guard chairs sit empty.

In 2001, the American Red Cross, the nation’s largest trainers of lifeguards, launched a nationwide program to increase the number of recruits.

This trend has also hit here.

“We used to have a large pool of applicants, but that’s not the case now,” said Sarah Ranson, aquatics director for the city of Spokane.

“High schools don’t have swim teams or pools except Shadle, and the two swim teams have about 100 members each, but some don’t qualify because they aren’t old enough,” Ranson said. “There’s a low number of certified people.

“To be certified, you need to be a good swimmer. These days kids come to the pools to splash around and keep cool, not to learn to swim.”

In 1967, there were more than 150 applications for lifeguard jobs at the city’s swimming pools. This year, Ranson said, the city hired 67 of the 80 or so who applied.

The city pools need a minimum of 50 lifeguards to operate, but with 50, they’d all have to work every shift, every day the pools were open.

Last year’s numbers were also down, Ranson said.

The future of city pools is uncertain. There might be a change to spray pads, which don’t require lifeguards, but any type of aquatics center or waterpark would also require lifeguards.

As an incentive this year, Spokane Parks and Recreation Department offered to refund the $125 that it costs for the lifeguard certification class, if the person successfully completed the class and was hired and worked through the middle of August. A lifeguard certification is valid for three years.

Lifeguards must be at least 15 years old and have current American Red Cross Lifeguard training and CPR for Professional Rescuer certifications. First Aid and a Preventing Disease Transmission certificates also are required.

Each city pool requires a staff of 10 to 12 lifeguards each day. The pay for city lifeguards starts at $7.50 an hour.

Spokane County pay starts at $7.75.

Minimum wage for 16 and older is $7.35. The minimum wage for 15-year-olds is 85 percent of the adult minimum wage, or $6.25 per hour.

Beth Chase, 22, is the manager at Comstock Pool. She was a lifeguard for three years and last year was an assistant manager.

Chase said that in addition to being well trained, having an outgoing personality and confidence make a good lifeguard.

“Sometimes we have to talk to adults about throwing kids off their shoulders and things like that,” Chase said. “Most people are nice about it, but being confident helps when younger lifeguards need to talk to adults.”

Chrissy Nolen, 19, was a lifeguard for a year before becoming the assistant manager at Cannon Pool.

“It’s a great summer job, getting to be outside. It’s really fun. The pay’s above minimum wage,” Nolen said.

“I’ve mentioned it to my friends, but they’re afraid of the responsibility. They don’t feel comfortable being in charge of all these kids.”

Nolen said she believes in preventive lifeguarding. By taking care of smaller disciplinary problems, serious accidents and injuries can be avoided.

They’re trained to scan the water looking for signs of distress. This happens when younger kids panic when they realize they’ve gone out too deep and can’t touch the bottom.

“There are high expectations,” Nolen said. “If you don’t pass the training, you don’t work.”

Chase said that they’ve had to make two saves this summer. Nolen’s group has made more than 20.

“If you’ve got 300 kids in a pool, it can be pretty stressful,” Ranson said. “That’s why they go through rigorous training.

“I feel confident that the staff can respond if necessary. I tell every one of them they will make at least one save during the summer.

“If there’s any question, they go,” she said.

In addition to lifeguarding, many teach swimming. They also are expected to clean changing rooms and restrooms, empty trash, check bags, and stand guard at the front gates at opening and closing.

Both Chase and Nolen said they chose the job because they like working with the public, not because they love to swim.

“It’s fun to interact with kids,” Chase said. “A lot of them come every day, so you get to really know them.”

“We’re looking for a good person,” Ranson said. “We’ll help train them.

“It seems more attractive then working in a fast-food restaurant or in a mall.

“A lot of kids in Spokane don’t realize it’s an option.”