DLNews Family:
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. — As Coachella Valley temperatures soar, the number of lifeguards ready to brave the heat isn’t keeping up with the crowds diving into public pools. The problem? A national lifeguard shortage splashes into our local swim centers when we need them most.
“It’s hard to keep chairs filled when people aren’t learning to swim,” said Caylie Pasat, Palm Springs Swim Center manager. “We need to start younger, with swim teams, with water polo—otherwise, who’s going to guard the water?”
According to Pasat, this isn’t just a seasonal hiccup. It’s a long-running challenge fueled by low wages, limited training access, and the surprising reality that many people don’t know how to swim. But Palm Springs isn’t treading water. The city raised lifeguard wages, started free swim lessons, and launched high school outreach to find fresh recruits.
Pasat recalled the summer of 2023 when staffing was stretched thin. “We were struggling,” she said. “But the city stepped up. They widened the net and said, ‘Let’s get kids involved before it’s too late.’”
One of the community partners diving in to help is Jason Bitzer, whose nonprofit Never Off Duty trains at-risk youth to become lifeguards and first responders at no cost. “We want safe pools, beaches, safe facilities—and that starts with trained lifeguards,” Bitzer said. “There’s no barrier to entry, just a need for action.”
The Palm Springs Swim Center offers free CPR training and swim lessons this season to keep swimmers safe and future lifeguards ready. While fun in the sun is great, having someone watch the water is even better.
Visit: https://www.palmspringsca.gov/government/departments/parks-recreation/swim-center
for details on the Never Off Duty nonprofit: https://neveroffduty.org/
News Staff
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Family & Home
Palm Springs
LifeGuards
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