York Pool Reduces Hours and Capacity Amid Lifeguard Shortage

Credit: Original reporting by Joseph McCarty KLKN-TV

YORK, Neb. The York Family Aquatic Center is cutting its hours and limiting attendance this week due to an ongoing shortage of lifeguards, a growing concern among many public pools nationwide.

The City of York emphasized that this decision was made solely in the interest of public safety. With fewer trained lifeguards on duty, city officials felt it was necessary to scale back operations rather than risk unsafe conditions.

We simply dont have the personnel to run at full capacity, said a city spokesperson. Our priority is to ensure everyone who visits is protected.

How Its Affecting the Community

Families in York who rely on the pool for summer recreation are now having to adjust. Some have had to turn around at the door due to capacity limits, while others are juggling tighter windows of access.

Officials say the shortage is not due to lack of interest but rather a drop in certified applicants. Lifeguarding requires extensive trainingusually CPR, first aid, and water rescuewhich many potential candidates find difficult to complete due to time or cost constraints.

? Key Points & Broader Context

• This is a national issue: Pools in cities from California to New York are reducing hours or closing entirely due to staffing issues.

• Education centers step in: Yorks local education centers and high schools are being contacted to promote lifeguard training programs among teens.

• Certification challenges: Lifeguard certifications require multiple-day courses and passing both physical and written exams, which can be a deterrent.

• Creative hiring solutions:

  • Paid training opportunities

  • Referral bonuses

  • Flexible hours for students and part-time workers

• Partnerships in progress: The city is exploring partnerships with York Education Center and nearby high schools to create streamlined certification pipelines.

• Parental support: Some parents are advocating for summer programs that combine swim safety education with lifeguard training prep for teens.

• Alternative activities suggested: The city is encouraging families to explore other public facilities and youth activities until staffing is stabilized.

?? About the Author:

Tamoor is a passionate writer and community advocate, committed to highlighting stories that shape the daily lives of local residents. With a focus on civic issues, youth engagement, and education, his work connects the dots between policy and people. Tamoor holds a background in media and communication and is deeply involved in creating accessible content that informs and empowers. When he's not writing, youll find him swimming, mentoring youth, or capturing life through his camera lens.