Staffing Issues Cause Inconsistent Access to Chicago Park District Pools

The Chicago Park District announced all pools would be open for five days a week starting on June 23, but pool openings have been plagued by staffing issues that have caused some pools to open sporadically.

Five pools on the South and West side – Clark (John) Pool, Franklin Park Pool, Wentworth Gardens Pool, Grand Crossing Pool, and Altged Pool – have been inconsistently open for the summer due to staffing issues. Without adequate staffing, pools are forced to close for the day or until coverage arrives. This results in an unpredictable schedule that can cause confusion for families and community members.

Franklin Park Pool only has one assigned lifeguard for the summer which is below the minimum requirement to open. Community members are outraged by the inconsistent access to the pool, and dozens have complained to the Park District.

The staffing shortage has resulted in pools and beaches opening with fewer staff than in previous years. Lifeguards at Oak St. Beach report taking fewer breaks, impairing their ability to focus on swimmers when they’re on the perch. Lifeguards across the city have also reported similar issues.

Seasonal Lifeguards earn an hourly wage of $16.19 – 40 cents more than the current Chicago minimum wage – and a $600 training bonus. Cities like New York have raised the starting salary of lifeguards to $21.26 with an additional $1,000 hiring bonus. Low wages are driving talented lifeguards away from the Chicago Park District.