AUSTIN, Texas — It's that time of the year again! Pools are getting busier on the weekends, and that means the demand for lifeguards is on the rise.
Central Texas is no stranger to lifeguard staffing shortages. Right now, the City of Austin is offering pay bonuses to help fill its shortage.
The City currently operates 45 public aquatic facilities, including Barton Springs Pool and Deep Eddy Pool, as well as 22 neighborhood pools and 11 splash pads.
In an effort to fill over 500 lifeguard positions at pools and summer camps, the Austin Parks and Recreation Department has changed its bonus structure. The new structure is tied to the number of hours worked.
To receive the bonuses, an employee must earn a minimum of $20 an hour work between May 21 and Aug. 12 to be eligible for any bonus payouts. For example, lifeguards will receive a $250 bonus for 200 hours of work, and 300 and 400 hours of work will add another $250 bonus.
In 2022, the base pay for lifeguards started at $16 an hour. That same year, the lack of lifeguards had an impact on the year-round pools that were open. Last March, Barton Springs had to close Mondays and Wednesdays due to the shortage while Deep Eddy’s shallow end has been closed weekdays for the same reason.
According to the City, lifeguard training and hiring starts at age 15 and there isn't a age limit. Once employed, lifeguards can receive sick leave benefits, free bus passes and free parking at Zilker Park.
Currently, all year-round and seasonal pool facilities are open or will open soon. The exceptions are Gillis Pool and Givens District Pool, which are closed for renovations.