Plan to address problems at city pool includes hiring more lifeguards, modifying hours

Multiple unexpected closures of the city’s public pool are the result of staffing issues, a city spokesperson said Monday, adding that there are plans to address the issue.

Driving the news: Palm Springs Swim Center patrons have voiced concerns throughout the month about unexpected closures, with some leveling accusations that the facility is being mismanaged. The latest closure was this past Saturday and was not related to a swim meet on Sunday.

What they’re saying: “We realize that all closures – whether it be a planned closure for a holiday or swim meet, or an unexpected closure due to staffing or maintenance – are all very disruptive to our community who relies on the pool as a resource for health and recreational activity.” – Parks & Recreation Director Yvonne Wise 

Next steps: In an email to pool users sent Sunday, Wise outlined a plan to tackle the staffing issues. That plans includes:

• Hiring temporary lifeguards through a staffing agency who can be on call when regular staff are unavailable;
   
• Initiating a trainee lifeguard program that would see the city oversee training and certification, reducing the barriers for applicants;
   
• Modifying hours of operation on an interim basis to assure fewer daylong closures; and
   
• Improve communications in hopes of alerting more pool users about closures before they head to the facility.

Looking back: You may recall (or may not want to recall) that the pool was closed for several days last year due to vandalism and defecation near the pool. Some of the issues (not the vandalism) were found to be caused by ducks and geese visiting the site.

Interested in applying to be lifeguard? Check out the job listing here.