Lifeguards needed across Milwaukee County ahead of summer season

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee County Parks Aquatics Department hosted reinstatement tests for all returning lifeguards on Saturday, March 23.

“Lifeguard shortages are not unique to Milwaukee County unfortunately. It is a nationwide shortage,” said Andrea Wallace, Assistant Director of Recreation & Business Services.

Wallace says the department is focused on making sure more pools can be open for family this summer.

“Today we have our lifeguard reinstatement. We're really excited. we have guards returning from last year who are testing their skills and coming back for this 2024 season,” said Wallace.

The county has been working on retaining lifeguards and recruiting new ones to cover pools across the area.

“We've tried some different recruitment incentives. we've tried sign on bonuses so this year we're offering a $250 sign on bonus, we're offering tickets to local attractions,” said Wallace.

Milwaukee County Parks is one of the county’s largest employers for outdoor, seasonal positions.

“We live next to this amazing lake so swim ability is really important...we really need lifeguards to come out so our younger generation can continue to learn to swim and to continue to improve swim ability within our community," said Wallace.

Wallace says even if you’re not interested in becoming a lifeguard the department is hiring 500 to 1,000 seasonal positions.