Lifeguard Shortage in 2025: What It Means for Public Safety

The lifeguard shortage in 2025 is reaching a critical level, posing significant risks to public safety across pools, beaches, and waterparks. Communities are struggling to find trained professionals, leading to reduced hours, beach closures, and increased drowning risks. As this crisis deepens, understanding its causes and effects is essential to developing long-term solutions.

Causes of the Lifeguard Shortage

Decline in Certification and Training

One of the primary causes of the lifeguard shortage is a decrease in individuals pursuing lifeguard certification. Many training programs were disrupted during the pandemic, leading to a backlog of candidates who have not yet completed their qualifications. Additionally, certification requirements have become more stringent, discouraging potential applicants.

Low Wages and Poor Working Conditions

Despite the critical role lifeguards play in ensuring public safety, wages remain relatively low. Many lifeguards, particularly seasonal workers, find it difficult to sustain themselves on the current pay rates. Without competitive salaries and benefits, fewer individuals are willing to commit to the profession.

Increased Competition for Summer Jobs

Younger workers, who traditionally make up a large portion of lifeguards, now have more employment opportunities in retail, food service, and remote jobs. These alternative positions often offer higher wages and more flexible hours, making them more attractive than lifeguarding.

Aging Workforce and Lack of Interest Among Youth

The number of experienced lifeguards returning for another season has declined, while fewer young people express interest in becoming lifeguards. The rigorous physical demands and responsibilities deter many potential applicants.

Impact on Public Safety

Increased Drowning Risks

With fewer trained lifeguards on duty, the risk of drownings and other water-related accidents rises significantly. Many communities have already reported an uptick in emergency incidents due to lifeguard shortages.

Beach and Pool Closures

Municipalities and private facilities are being forced to reduce operating hours or close their pools and beaches altogether. This limits recreational opportunities, negatively impacting public health and tourism revenue.

Reduced Supervision and Slower Emergency Response

Even in locations where lifeguards are still on duty, staffing shortages mean fewer eyes monitoring swimmers. This can lead to delayed responses in emergencies, further increasing the likelihood of fatal incidents.

Efforts to Address the Lifeguard Shortage

Higher Wages and Better Benefits

To attract more lifeguards, many organizations are increasing wages, offering sign-on bonuses, and providing additional benefits such as free training and certification reimbursement.

Flexible Work Schedules

Employers are introducing more flexible work schedules to accommodate students and part-time workers. This approach helps retain lifeguards who may otherwise seek alternative employment.

Increased Recruitment Efforts

Communities are launching targeted recruitment campaigns to encourage more people to become lifeguards. High schools and colleges are being engaged to promote lifeguarding as a viable summer job or career path.

Accelerated Training Programs

Some lifeguard training organization have developed accelerated courses to get new recruits certified faster while maintaining safety standards. These programs are essential in addressing the immediate shortage.

The Future of Lifeguarding in 2025 and Beyond

The lifeguard shortage will likely persist unless long-term solutions are implemented. Encouraging more young people to view lifeguarding as a valuable skill and career path is crucial. Additionally, improving wages, working conditions, and public awareness can help ensure that pools, beaches, and waterparks remain safe for everyone.