The primary reason we open only Children’s Beach, Pier Beach and Turner Pool for swimming is lifeguard staffing. This is not a budget or a money issue. Even when we offer a higher pay rate, we are unable to attract lifeguards in adequate numbers to cover more shifts. Given the staffing available, we prioritize the areas that get the highest use. Historically, only a small number of patrons used University and Heinz beaches for swimming.

To build a better lifeguard staff pipeline, we annually offer lifeguard certification courses, and many participants can’t pass the certification test because of the physical requirements. As it stands, our Director of Recreation maintains her lifeguard certification so she can fill in when staff take leave. We have no other backup staffing sources. Lifeguards hired at other community beaches/pools (e.g., Welch Field in Westfield, Lakewood Beach, Jamestown YMCA) tend to be residents of those communities who live within a short walking distance (no need to drive) of their worksite. FYI, Pier and Children’s Beaches are open noon-6 p.m. daily for swimming. Other “beaches”, which are really more like waterfront parks, are not open for swimming.