Brewster, Bridgeport pools begin search for lifeguard candidates

BREWSTER -- Spring is just around the corner and before you know it June will be here. With schools out and public pools open, city officials will once again struggle to find enough lifeguards to provide the requisite staffing to protect swimmers. That is why Bridgeport’s Jackie Hentges and Brewster’s Misty Ruiz begin early to fill the ranks and meet their minimum needs.

For Ruiz, city clerk and director of finance, which means finding about 14 part time volunteers to fill the equivalent of six full timers. The city employs a staff of 18 full time “and we will have 14 pool employees,” said Ruiz.

A recent newspaper ad for lifeguards received no responses.

“Kids do not want to work full time,” said Ruiz. “They have volleyball camp, they have football camp, parents want to go on vacation…getting kids that want to be at the pool all summer is difficult.”

Ruiz has also turned to labor hubs like WorkSource for lifeguard prospects.

“It’s not just Brewster that’s having this issue, it’s all the cities having issues finding lifeguards,” said Ruiz.

Lifeguard candidates must be at least 15 years old and complete a certified training course. A combination of online and in-water instruction includes first aid, CPR/AED instruction along with swimming skills.

Bridgeport Pool

Bridgeport councilmember and city pool manager Jackie Hentges usually begins her lifeguard search during spring break. Of the three to four she needs, “two for sure are returning, and one might be returning, so I am looking for two,” Hentges said.

When the number of swimmers warrant, a lifeguard is posted at the shallow end and the deep end of the Bridgeport pool. If the wading pool is in use, a third lifeguard monitors it, Hentges said.

She sends her candidates to the Omak pool that has a lifeguard trainer.

“Normally we get them online in the first of May,” said Hentges. “Usually, their training takes place starting Memorial Day weekend. I think they did three weekends last year.”

Interested candidates can contact Brewster City Hall (509-689-3464), Bridgeport City Hall (509-686-4041), or visit either location to pick up an application.

Mike Maltais: 360-333-8483 or michael@ward.media