TOLEDO, Ohio — The city of Toledo summer pool program won't be operating at full capacity unless more lifeguard positions are filled.
Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz held a news conference Thursday at the Wilson Park Pool, which is one of two pools not opening on time due to the worker shortage.
"If you want a job, you can have one. You can lead a horse to water, as they say, but you can't make them drink," Kapszukiewicz said.
He said the city needs to hire at least 8-10 additional lifeguards.
"I'm going into my fourth season and I've never heard that we've had, really, a challenge finding enough lifeguards," said Karen Ranney Wolkins with the City of Toledo Parks and Recreation department. "So this is a first in a really long time, I believe."
You can apply online here. The city will pay for the certification, and offer $15 an hour for pool managers and $14 an hour for lifeguards.
Navarre, Roosevelt, and Pickford pools will open June 1, and Willys Pool will open June 7. Hours will be noon to 6 p.m., and eventually noon to 8 p.m.
Wilson Pool, Jamie Farr Pool and the Savage Park splash pad will not open this summer if positions are not filled.
"The city has stepped up to provide resources, jobs, and everything kids need for a successful summer," Kapszukiewicz said. "We need help from the community. We need the community to be as interested in helping children as we are."
