When the weather gets hot, families across Colorado love splashing around in the neighborhood swimming pool, but a lifeguard shortage is making it hard to keep the cool tradition going.
Now, Gov. Jared Polis, along with other state and local officials, is jumping in to get more pools open and expand hours.
Years after an accident left her paralyzed from the chest down, the swimming pool has become a sanctuary of sorts for Chris Layne. For the Aurora resident, each lap in the pool is a chance to not just exercise her body but clear her mind. This year, Layne’s laps have been fewer and further between, as Aurora, like many other cities, struggles to hire lifeguards. That’s meant reduced hours and amenities to start the season at several pools.On Tuesday, Polis and other local leaders announced a plan to change that. It includes offering $1,000 to new lifeguards who complete training and start work, as well as allowing 16 and 17 year olds to work more overtime.
“This additional funding , we believe will enable us to hire the talent, the trained talent necessary to keep all of our pools open this summer,” said Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman.