Tulsa Pools Open But Short on Lifeguards - KTUL.com - Tulsa, Oklahoma - News, Weather & Sports

Tulsa Pools Open But Short on Lifeguards

Posted: Updated:

It's time to hit the Tulsa Pools and cool off this summer. But there's a shortage of lifeguards for the five pools. Six more lifeguards are needed. Without applications coming in the city has to keep Lacy Pool closed for at least another week. 

"I'm surprised that there are not that many people that are applying for the position because when I applied there are so many people because they realize how great it was. I don't think the job of the lifeguard as it was in the past," says three year lifeguard, Evan Taylor. 

Taylor has been working for the city as a lifeguard for three summers now and loves the job. But he does admit, it's a lot of responsibility.

"Definitely you have a lot of kids and whenever all those kids are running around it's hard to keep track of all of them. But you know it's your lifeguard responsibility," says Taylor. 

Officials say right now they can operate the pools with one less lifeguard at each pool and still be safe. For the families it's just all about the fun in the sun.

"I have several kids and they love to swim. So we are happy they are open again," says parent, Mark Lewis. 

This year all the pools are funded by the cities general fund and not private donations. People are happy to see the money available and the pools open.

"I know this is not a necessity like fire and police. Those are a necessities. You can't live without them. This you can but you don't really want to," says Aquatics Coordinator, Rhonda Freiner. 

For these lifeguards it's all about safety and giving the kids someone where fun to go. 

"You have a lot of kids that use these pools to make sure they don't get in trouble and stuff like that. So when you have pools like this a lot kids are getting off the streets and not getting into trouble actually coming here and having fun," says Taylor. 

Freiner is hoping certified lifeguards will apply this week and they can get Lacy Pool open by next Saturday. 

 

Powered by WorldNow

P.O. Box 8 Tulsa, OK 74101-0008

Powered by WorldNow

All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 Worldnow and KTUL. All Rights Reserved.
For more information on this site, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.