City Of Glidden Looking To Be Proactive In Ways To Train And Retain Lifeguards

The City of Glidden’s Park and Rec Director, Michael Schulze, is looking to assist the city with the lifeguard shortage by becoming a certified lifeguard training instructor. Many communities around the area reported struggling to find individuals wishing to serve as lifeguards over these summer months, with the potential of being unable to open the pools hanging overhead due to inadequate staffing numbers. City Administrator Brooke Peterson says that having Schulze become a certified lifeguard himself and take the additional classes to become an instructor is being viewed as a proactive approach to avoid staffing shortages in future summer seasons.

Some days, the slide or other pool areas need to be closed down if not enough staff members are there to supervise pool patrons. Peterson says the City of Glidden officials are thankful for the current lifeguard and pool staff members they have.

With Little League ball wrapping up, Peterson says Schulze will now have more time to look into becoming a certified instructor, as that requires additional courses. Peterson says the goal is to have him fully trained and certified by the next pool season to teach lifeguard courses.