Lifeguard Shortages in 2025: How It’s Affecting Beach and Pool Safety Across the USA

Lifeguards play a critical role in ensuring the safety of swimmers at beaches and pools across the United States. However, the nation is facing a growing crisis: a shortage of trained and certified lifeguards. This issue has intensified in 2025, leading to increased risks for swimmers and communities. Understanding the impact of this shortage and finding potential solutions is essential to maintaining public safety.

Reasons for the Lifeguard Shortage

1. Decline in Certification and Training

Many training programs have seen a decline in enrollment, leading to fewer certified lifeguards. The cost and time required for certification may deter potential candidates from pursuing this role. Additionally, fewer training facilities and instructors are available to accommodate new lifeguards, further exacerbating the issue.

2. Low Wages and Seasonal Employment

Lifeguarding is often seen as a seasonal job with relatively low wages. Many young people are opting for year-round employment opportunities that offer better pay and benefits. Without financial incentives, the appeal of lifeguarding diminishes, leaving many pools and beaches understaffed.

3. Aging Workforce and Lack of New Recruits

Experienced lifeguards are retiring, and there aren’t enough new recruits to replace them. Younger individuals are prioritizing internships or jobs in other industries, which impacts the availability of trained personnel.

4. Stricter Safety Regulations

While safety regulations are necessary, some policies have made it more challenging to become a lifeguard. Increased training requirements and stricter health and fitness standards have limited the number of eligible candidates.

5. Impact of the Pandemic

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to influence employment trends. Many individuals left the workforce during the pandemic, and some have not returned. Additionally, training programs and recruitment efforts were disrupted, leading to long-term consequences.

Impact on Beach and Pool Safety

1. Increased Drowning Incidents

With fewer lifeguards on duty, the risk of drowning has increased. Unsupervised swimming areas pose significant dangers, particularly for children and inexperienced swimmers. Some cities have reported a rise in water-related accidents due to the lack of lifeguards.

2. Limited Pool and Beach Access

Many community pools and public beaches have reduced their hours or closed altogether due to staffing shortages. This limits recreational opportunities and forces swimmers to seek alternative locations, which may lack proper safety measures.

3. Overworked Lifeguards and Burnout

The lifeguards who remain on duty are often overworked, leading to exhaustion and decreased effectiveness. Long shifts and limited breaks can reduce their ability to respond quickly in emergencies, putting both the lifeguards and swimmers at risk.

4. Delays in Emergency Response

Lifeguards are the first line of defense in water-related emergencies. A shortage means longer response times and delayed medical assistance, which can be life-threatening in drowning incidents.

5. Greater Liability for Pool and Beach Operators

Facilities that operate without adequate lifeguard coverage face legal and financial risks. If accidents occur, they may be held accountable for failing to provide proper safety measures, leading to lawsuits and increased insurance costs.

Potential Solutions

1. Incentives for Lifeguards

Offering higher wages, bonuses, and additional benefits can attract more individuals to the profession. Providing year-round employment opportunities can also encourage retention.

2. Expanding Training Programs

More accessible and affordable lifeguard training programs can help increase the number of certified lifeguards. Scholarships and grants for certification courses could also encourage participation.

3. Recruitment Campaigns

Raising awareness through marketing campaigns, school partnerships, and community engagement can attract younger candidates to lifeguarding roles. Highlighting the skills and experience gained from the job can make it more appealing.

4. Flexible Work Schedules

Allowing for part-time or flexible shifts can make lifeguarding more accessible to students and other job seekers. This can help retain staff while maintaining proper coverage at pools and beaches.

5. Technology and Safety Innovations

Utilizing advanced surveillance technology, such as drone monitoring and AI-assisted drowning detection systems, can supplement the efforts of lifeguards and enhance safety.

Conclusion

The lifeguard shortage in 2025 presents significant challenges for public safety at beaches and pools nationwide. Without immediate action, drowning incidents and emergency response delays will continue to rise. By implementing better incentives, expanding training opportunities, and utilizing technology, communities can work towards a solution to ensure safer swimming environments for all. Addressing this crisis is essential for protecting lives and maintaining access to vital recreational spaces.