MADISON HEIGHTS, Mich. (WXYZ) — Oakland County Parks and Recreation officials are struggling to find lifeguards for Red Oaks Waterpark in Madison Heights.
The waterpark needs 56 lifeguards to fully operate. To date, 37 have been hired.
“Last September we began a comprehensive recruiting plan for lifeguards that included high school, university and swim team outreach, community partnerships, social media and advertising,” Manager of Park and Recreation Operations Sue Wells said in a release. “I know we’re not alone in the quest for lifeguards. Other operations that require lifeguards are struggling to find staff as well. Under Michigan law, beaches do not require lifeguards. However, they are essential to the operation of our waterparks.”
Internships, summer college classes, sports schedules, travel and even the option of not working are all reasons why employers are finding it difficult to recruit staff, Wells added.
Lifeguards take part in an initial 24 hours of training, 10 hours of orientation, on-site training and 10 hours of shadowing a veteran lifeguard on duty at the pool. Lifeguards are required to attend one hour of in-service training per week.
A final free lifeguard training has been scheduled for June 14-16.
Applicants must be 16 years or older and have submitted an application to be enrolled in the training. To view the job description, salary, application requirements and qualifications, visit oakgov.com/jobs. Or click the link here.
