City officials have announced that city pools are open to residents as of today, June 29, and entrance fees are being waived again this year.
Both the Pulaski Park Pool located at 162 Washington Street and Spratt Park Pool located at 121 Wilbur Boulevard will be open from noon to 7 p.m. each day. In addition, adult lap swim will be offered from 11 a.m. to noon at the Spratt Pool, and swim lessons will be offered from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. beginning July 11 at Pulaski Pool. Applications for swimming lessons can be picked up at the Pulaski pool site starting on June 30.
Over the last few months, city officials have worked diligently to hire enough lifeguards to open both pools.
The city’s pool staff includes a pool manager, 24 lifeguards and nine pool attendants.
“The City staff came through to deal with what has become a nationwide lifeguard shortage,” said Mayor Rob Rolison. “We have been determined to address this challenge and to ensure both our pools open during the summer.”
The city increased the pay for attendants and then increased the pay and offered signing and completion bonuses for lifeguards and pool managers.
Lifeguard salaries have been raised from $16 to $22 an hour, and pool manager positions have been raised from $20 to $25 an hour.
In addition, the city offered $500 sign-up bonuses for these positions and an additional $500 for those completing their term of the seasonal employment. On top of that, the city is providing $500 bonuses to pool workers who refer a fully certified lifeguard who completes the season.
City officials pointed out they do reserve the right to close the pools due to public health, weather-related and/or staffing issues. The pool houses will remain close, and there will be no concession at the pools. Residents are encouraged to picnic outside of the pool areas.
Non-vaccinated residents are also asked to wear a mask into the pool areas but are not required to while physically in the pool swimming.
The city intends to close the pools for the season on Aug. 29.