MUSCATINE, Iowa — The Covid-19 pandemic exacerbated an already-growing problem in American pools: a shortage of lifeguards has led to reduced hours and closed swimming centers across the country.
The American Lifeguard Association estimates about a third of the U.S.'s 309,000 pools closed or reduced hours in 2023 due to staffing. That doesn't include beaches, water parks or other venues.
It's a big deal that can quickly turn into tragedy. The CDC says drowning, mainly in pools, lakes, rivers or oceans, is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 5 to 14.
While the pandemic dealt a huge blow to lifeguard numbers, experts say the issue has been brewing for years. The recertification of existing lifeguards, which is required every two years, has been pointed out.
And while American drowning trends had been decreasing, that reversed in 2020. A U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission report found that once Covid-19 hit, nonfatal drowning injuries that were pool- or spa-related jumped 17%. Hospitals reported treating 6,800 children under 15 compared to 5,800 in 2020.
Locally, the lifeguard shortage has been felt on both sides of the river, in both large and small towns.
But in Muscatine, park and rec officials say the city has actually managed to avoid the issues felt across the country over the last few years. Instead, Muscatine has been able to consistently fill all or most of their lifeguard spots.
Applications for the 2024 summer lifeguard season are open now. You can check out the application here.
Blake Allington, Muscatine Park and Rec Program Supervisor, joined The Current on News 8 to discuss the city's 'secret to success' and what it's meant to the surrounding community. You can watch the full interview in the above video.
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