Unable to open all its pools, Pittsburgh considering wage increase to fill jobs

PITTSBURGH — Staffing shortages are creating a challenge for Pittsburgh swimming pools, with only eight of the city’s 18 able to open next week.

Pittsburgh City Council is looking at ways to fix the issue, including potentially raising the hourly wage for lifeguards and other necessary positions, Channel 11′s news exchange partners at TribLIVE reported. In order to do that, they would shift money around.

However, officials pointed out to TribLIVE that money isn’t necessarily the issue. Rather, there’s a general lack of interest in the jobs, and college students are leaving for the summer.

So far, only about 70 of the 200 lifeguard positions needed to open all city pools have been filled, officials told TribLIVE.

To apply for a job as a lifeguard, CLICK HERE.

For a list of the pools opening Monday and hours of operation, CLICK HERE.

Several kids sick after swimming at pool in Butler County

©2021 Cox Media Group