AUSTIN, Texas — Austin's famed Barton Springs Pool is counteracting some adjustments made due to a shortage in lifeguards.
Starting on Memorial Day, May 30, the pool will resume normal Monday operations. The pool will remain closed on Wednesdays, and Thursdays will remain closed for regular cleaning. It could reopen again on Wednesdays if more guards are hired.
Meanwhile, Deep Eddy Pool will also be opening its shallow side at 12 p.m. on weekdays.
"The Aquatic Division of the Parks and Recreation Department at the City of Austin continues to hire and train lifeguards to operate summer pools," the Austin Parks and Recreation Department said in a press release. "There are currently a total of 234 lifeguards on staff. This is 31.2% of the 750 lifeguards needed to operate City pools."
In Austin, lifeguards can earn up to $1,250 in bonuses and wages up to $16 to $19 an hour, depending on their experience and certifications. Staff members also get paid sick leave, a free bus pass and flexible scheduling.
To learn more about applying, click here.
City of Austin aquatics staff currently have a tiered pool opening schedule that distributes their work force equitably. Tier One pools are open annually while Tier Two pools will open on June 6. Aquatics will need 375 lifeguards ready to work by June 6.
Tier One
- Barton Springs
- Bartholomew
- Deep Eddy
- Springwoods
- Stacy
Tier Two
- Balcones
- Dick Nichols
- Dove Springs
- Garrison
- Govalle
- Montopolis
- Northwest
- Rosewood
- Shipe
- Westenfield
Additional pools will be opened as more lifeguards join the force.
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