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Columbia hires additional lifeguards, still dealing with staffing shortages Published
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The City of Columbia has hired a few more lifeguards, but is still searching for more.
Director of Columbia Parks and Recreation Mike Griggs said the department was able to hire an additional three lifeguards after a class with 12 candidates. This brings the total number of lifeguards in Columbia to 49.
According to a press release, the department is hopeful that the staff shortage will reverse and allow Douglass and Lake of the Woods Pool to open for the summer. The department said it needs a minimum of 70 guards.
Jefferson City pools ready for holiday weekend, Columbia struggles with staffing
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The Jefferson City Parks and Recreation department is preparing to open pools for Memorial Day Weekend.
Assistant Director of Programs with JC Parks Aaron Grefrath said the group is looking forward to getting back open to the public and are hopeful they can do so under normal operating procedures.
Grefrath said the department has seen day camp and summer sport numbers back to where they were pre-pandemic, if not higher. The assistant director says he s hoping this also translates to how many people visit the pool this summer.
The Columbia Parks and Recreation Department is starting to fill empty slots among its aquatic center lifeguard staff.
The department received 10 applications after it put out a call last week seeking staff. There needs to be a minimum of 70 guards to be able to open pools. Only 46 guards are on staff as of Friday. Our staff will follow through with (the 10 applicants) to get them registered for training, department Marketing Specialist Tamara Miller wrote in an email.
Guard training will happen Tuesday through Thursday, June 4-6, June 14-16 and June 18-20. Sessions are free for those employed by the city.