A shortage of lifeguards has forced the city of Sedona’s Parks & Recreation Department to reduce summer hours at the Sedona Community Pool and reduce the length of the season.
Through Sunday, Aug. 18, the pool will be open Saturday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. From Monday, Aug. 19, through Sunday, Oct. 27, the pool will only be open Saturdays and Sundays 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The pool is always closed on Fridays so city staff can clean it. On Monday, Oct. 28, the pool will be closed for the season.
The decision has been finalized, according to Parks & Recreation Department officials.
Historically, lifeguard jobs have been popular among high school teens on summer vacation. With summer break coming to a close, Parks and Recreation officials were seeking applicants from around the Verde Valley to fill guard positions in order to keep the pool open for the rest of the summer, according to Rachel Murdoch, Parks & Recreation manager.
City staff produced public notices to spread awareness about an impending closure and grant lifeguards-to-be the opportunity to apply.
Staffing the Sedona Community Pool this late in the season has its challenges. Positions must be filled so that all shifts every day are covered. Also, additional guards must be on call in case of unforeseen absences. “We advertised we needed staff, interested people did not come forward,” Murdoch said. “If they do come forward, they need to be able to commit to the season.”
“They need to be able to pass the certification course. Simple. However, when they don’t come forward until the pool is about to close, that is not as helpful,” Murdoch said. “We have not had time to interview them, learn about their schedules, schedule a lifeguard training class, advertise a correct fall season schedule to the public, etc.
“Doing a rush job with aquatics is not easy. It’s not as easy as hiring [an applicant] on the spot.”
A total of four additional guards are needed to work the fall, according to Murdoch. It is also generally required that a lifeguard is certified to give CPR as well as operate an automated external defibrillator. A drug screening must also be passed. Applicants must show that they are capable of potentially saving a life. Lifeguards must be able to swiftly and calmly take action when a life is at stake.
In order to avoid early closures next year, willingness and participation on behalf of the public is needed. The 2020 Sedona Community Pool season can have later hours and a longer season by acting upon and understanding that:
- The commitment is for a whole season, i.e. all of summer and/or all of fall.
- A great number of applicants are needed as all shifts must be covered with extra guards on call.
- Not all applicants will fit the necessary requirements to work as a lifeguard/city employee.
- Lifeguard training/ certifications must be scheduled in conjunction with the hiring process.
- This is not an immediate process and takes time.
More information regarding this season can be found at sedonaaz. gov/pool.
