The Municipal Swimming Pool in Smithville is in desperate need of life guards for its opening in May.

Currently only six lifeguards have applied to work this year.

Manager Jeania Cawthorn addressed the concern with the Mayor and Aldermen Monday night during their regular monthly meeting.

“For the last six to eight weeks I have been trying to find lifeguards. Right now we have six. We usually start the summer off with 20 to 25. We had 17 last year and ended up with six at the end. I just wanted to give you a heads up and ask if you had any suggestions on how to recruit lifeguards because I have tried everything I know to try including posting notices on social media,” said Cawthorn.

“Any reason why the decrease in applications,” asked Alderman Gayla Hendrix

“I have talked to surrounding counties and they are also having trouble recruiting lifeguards. I don’t know if it is the pay. I know there is a lot of responsibility to taking and passing these classes,” Cawthorn said.

“So what you are saying is if we don’t have any more than six or seven lifeguards there is a good possibility the pool cannot be open but two or three days a week,” said Mayor Josh Miller.

“That is what I am afraid of,” answered Cawthorn.

“How many must you have,” asked Alderman Donnie Crook.

“You must have four on the stand at all times and we do 40-45 hours just regular open pool time not counting the pool parties but most of the time these teens can’t work all the time because they have vacations, ball camps, and extra jobs and the most we can work a lifeguard is 29 hours,” said Cawthorn.

Anyone who is interested and qualified to apply should do so as soon as possible. Cawthorn will schedule you for work at the pool around your schedule. The pay is $8.00 an hour with flexible hours.

Requirements include the following but are not limited to:
*Must be 15 years of age by May 1st
*Must pass American Red Cross Life Guard Course and CPR Class
*Must be a strong swimmer
*Must be able to pass drug test and back ground check

Benefits of being a life guard:
*You could save a life.
*Life saving skills
*Self-confidence
*Developing leadership skills
*Being a role model
*Looks good on resumes
*Developing new friendships

Classes will be offered May 8-10 in Smithville. The cost of the 30 hour class is $175.00 and the city of Smithville will reimburse you once the course is completed.

“I told Jeania its best that we (city) reimburse them because If we pay for the class and they don’t get their certificate then we are out that money,” said Mayor Miller.

“That’s what we did last year. We paid for several that didn’t even show up for the class but this year they (lifeguards) will have to pay for the class up front and if they pass we will reimburse them,” said Cawthorn.

“They offer the classes usually in January and February but a few places will be doing it in April. I know its two months away but if they don’t take the classes soon we won’t have them (lifeguards) when we open on Memorial Day,” Cawthorn continued.

Contact Jeania at the Pro-shop at 615-597-6648 for more information.