Lincoln is hiring lifeguards after shortages, pool closures impacted summer plans

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Your plans for summer break could hinge on how Thursday goes.

The Lincoln Parks and Recreation Department is holding its last job fair of the season this afternoon.

It needs to fill several positions, including lifeguards, which there has been a severe shortage of nationwide the last couple of years.

Just last summer, Channel 8 reported that Star City Shores had to close for several days due to staffing shortages.

And last spring, Grand Island had to lower its age requirement in an attempt to get enough lifeguards.

The shortage even forced two-thirds of Omaha’s outdoor swimming pools to close for half of the summer.

According to NPR, that was the case for many cities across our country, and the American Lifeguard Association said the problem could extend into this year.

In addition to lifeguards, Parks and Recreation is looking to hire swim lesson staff, concession workers, coaches, drivers and more.

You do not need to bring a resume to Thursday’s event at the Muny Building over on South 21st Street.  It’s scheduled to run from 2 to 6 p.m.

The city says you need to be at least 18 for most positions, but there are some for 16 and 17-year-olds as well.

After filling out an application and doing an interview, you could get an offer on the spot.