Milwaukee County looking to hire 250 lifeguards before summer

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Thousands of kids will visit pools in Milwaukee this summer. In order for Milwaukee County Parks to open all aquatic facilities, they need to hire 250 lifeguards by June.

"That is still our goal. We may not reach that goal, and then we'll have to make some really tough decisions, but those decisions will be made in May," said Andrea Wallace, the assistant director of recreation with Milwaukee County Parks.

Now is the time for them to get lifeguards trained. The next free training course will start April 22.

"It's not just the swim ability, it's making sure they have the strength to carry somebody that might be in danger," said Wallace. "If you're a good swimmer and you have the basic skills, we can help you get to that 100-meter swim in 1:45."

The county is offering incentives to encourage people to apply. Pay starts at $17 with a $250 sign on bonus for first year lifeguards. There are also ticket raffles for Brewers games and other events happening this summer. For the last three years, Milwaukee has delt with a lifeguard shortage leaving pools closed and some beaches unattended.

"This is not a problem that's unique to Milwaukee," said Wallace. "There's a nationwide shortage of lifeguards, so we're really trying to be creative."

You can find more information about becoming a lifeguard here.