The United States is currently facing a shortage of lifeguards, and various cities and states are taking different approaches to address this issue. Houston, for example, is offering new lifeguards a $500 bonus, while Jackson, Mississippi, is increasing lifeguard pay by over 40%. Colorado has also allocated $250,000 to hire more lifeguards, with senior citizens temporarily filling in the gaps. This shortage is largely attributed to the pandemic-related closures and work restrictions in recent years, but it cannot fully explain the lifeguard shortages observed in previous years, such as 2018, 2016, 2012, 1984, 1951, and 1926.
Interestingly, lifeguard shortages and the news stories covering them have become a summer tradition, spanning over five generations in America. Each year, articles discussing the potential impact on the swimming season and increased drownings emerge in May or June, with countless more published since the 1930s. While the causes of these shortages have varied over time, certain themes recur. The stringent requirements to become a lifeguard, including a multiday course and a rigorous physical exam, often receive criticism. Low pay has also been cited as a factor, alongside factors such as the availability of higher-paying jobs, internships, and even unemployment rates.
However, the most consistent explanation has been to attribute the shortage to generational shifts and societal changes. Claims like “kids these days” being uninterested, fears of technology distractions, and a lack of respect for lifeguards echo throughout the years. According to Wyatt Werneth, the national spokesperson for the American Lifeguard Association, the pandemic further exacerbated the issue as potential lifeguard candidates sought remote work opportunities rather than on-site positions.
Furthermore, the diminished admiration for lifeguards is considered a significant problem. Lifeguards were once viewed as authority figures, but the societal shift has changed this perception. Even the popularity of lifeguard-themed media, such as Baywatch, has waned, impacting the appeal of the profession. Despite these challenges, drowning rates in America have actually declined significantly over the years, with a slight increase in recent years. This suggests that while lifeguard shortages are a genuine concern, they do not necessarily result in widespread drowning crises.
Unfortunately, comprehensive data on the extent of the lifeguard shortage are lacking. The American Lifeguard Association receives sporadic reports and has a general understanding of the regional needs. Nevertheless, lifeguards continue to be viewed as essential and heroic figures in our culture, albeit in a more endangered state. The image of lifeguards as sexy saviors remains ingrained in our collective consciousness, ensuring that the profession remains relevant and cherished.
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