CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Mecklenburg County is addressing the lifeguard shortage this summer by offering new incentives including a $15 minimum wage and signing bonuses to new employees.
Officials say the shortage of lifeguards exists on a national level that has been building for years, and it has limited Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation’s ability to open its two outdoor pools, Double Oaks and Cordelia.
In order to open all outdoor community pools and beaches in the county, Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation is attempting to revamp recruitment efforts.
Staff is looking to fill more than 250 part-time and seasonal lifeguard positions by offering free training and a variety of free programs targeted to those looking to become lifeguards.
Officials say recruiting will now go on throughout the year, instead of seasonally, and lifeguards will be paid $15 an hour with a $500 bonus given at signing.
Officials say since only 86 positions are filled out of the 247 lifeguard positions in Mecklenburg County, pool operations will be limited and Ramsey Creek Beach will remain closed until further notice.
Officials say current pool operating hours starting Saturday, May 29th is as follows:
- Double Oaks Family Aquatic Center
- 2014 Statesville Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28206
- Saturday, May 29, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. (Opening day).
- Sunday, May 30, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Monday, May 31, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. (Holiday).
- Tuesday, Jun 1, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Mecklenburg County Aquatic Center
- Open Memorial Day- (9 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
- Will maintain Regular operations and Holiday Hours on Memorial Day.
- Monday & Wednesday- 5:30 a.m – 9:30 p.m. (Main Tank Closed 1pm-4pm).
- Tuesday & Thursday- 11:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
- Friday- 5:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
- Saturday- 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
- Sunday- Closed.
- Beginning Saturday, June 5
- Double Oaks will be open Thursdays & Saturdays, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Cordelia Pool (2100 N. Davidson Street, Charlotte, NC 28205) will be open Sundays & Tuesdays, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Officials say in order to maintain social distancing, pool visitors can use Double Oaks and Cordelia pools during the following time slots: 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., or 5 p.m.
There will be a 1.5 hours allotted for swimming and 30 minutes for cleaning between entry times, and officials say tickets for $2 can be bought on-site the same day as a visit.
