San Diego Keeps Public Pools Open Despite Lifeguard Shortage

Credit: Original reporting by Abbie Black CBS 8 News

SAN DIEGO, CA While cities across the U.S. are closing pools or slashing hours due to lifeguard shortages, San Diego is making headlines for going against the tide: all of its public pools remain open.

The city credits aggressive actionraising lifeguard wages by 30%, investing in recruiting campaigns, and positioning lifeguarding as a respected careerfor this success.

Were trying to engage all ages. This is not just a job for teenagers. This is a professional job, said Nicole McNeil, Assistant Deputy Director of San Diegos Parks and Recreation Department.

Despite the lifeguard shortage being a national issue, San Diego has hired over 100 pool guards annually for the past two years. Most of its 15 pools are operating fully, with only two closed for renovations.

Why It Matters

Access to public pools is about more than recreation. For many underserved communities, especially in places like Barrio Logan, public pools offer one of the only affordable ways to learn life-saving swim skills.

According to the American Red Cross and American Lifeguard Association, 79% of children in low-income households have little to no swimming ability, putting them at a much higher risk of drowning.

Its really important to have access to swim lessons, said Jorge Clayton, pool manager at Memorial Recreation Center. We work with schools and rec centers to reach as many children as possible.

? Key Developments and Expanded Points

• Education Partnerships
  Local schools and community colleges are collaborating with the city to offer lifeguard certification programs, with some covering full training costs.

• Year-Round Lifeguard Pipeline
  San Diego now recruits and trains lifeguards year-roundnot just seasonally. This helps build a sustainable talent pipeline for future summers.

• Bilingual Swim Instruction
  Recognizing its diverse population, the city is expanding bilingual lifeguard training and swim classes in USA, Spanish, Tagalog, and Vietnamese.

• Raising Professional Standards
  By raising wages above the $17.25/hour minimum and framing the job as a professional path (not just summer work), the city is attracting older applicants, career switchers, and veterans.

• Inclusion and Equity Focus
  Targeted recruitment in marginalized neighborhoods is helping close racial and income-based disparities in swim safety access.

• Community Ambassadors Program
  San Diego launched a pilot program where lifeguards visit schools, parks, and youth clubs to educate kids on water safety and inspire interest in public service careers.

• Workforce Retention Strategy
  Returning lifeguards are being offered bonuses, leadership roles, and career advancement tracksmaking it easier for seasonal staff to become full-time city employees.

• Mobile Swim Units
  Discussions are underway about deploying portable pop-up pools in park areas lacking permanent aquatic facilities.

• Data-Informed Decisions
  The city tracks pool usage, demographic needs, and safety incidents through a centralized data system to allocate resources smartly and avoid shutdowns.

?? About the Author: Tamoor

Tamoor is a civic journalist and community advocate dedicated to highlighting stories that impact youth, education, and public well-being. With a background in media and communications, Tamoor crafts narratives that bridge policy with people, focusing on accessibility, equity, and grassroots solutions. Beyond writing, he enjoys photography, mentoring students, and diving into cultures through travel and storytelling.