Nearly every city in northeast Johnson County experienced some kind of lifeguard shortage this summer — part of a growing national trend since the recession in 2009.
In fact, several cities estimated the pool of applicants for lifeguarding is nearly half of what it was 10 years ago. A growing economy and a cultural shift away from summer work gives teenagers more time to focus on extracurricular activities, family vacations and career-driven paths such as internships and advanced coursework.
That means fewer lifeguards. Lauren Ozburn, an area aquatics specialist with Waters Edge, said lifeguarding used to be highly competitive. Now, she’s seen many pools experience anywhere from a 30 percent to 80 percent attrition rate.
Sean Keenan, aquatics specialist for Shawnee, said the downward trend of fewer teenagers applying for lifeguard positions has been a “constant struggle.” Shawnee used to hire 120 lifeguards each year; this year, it has 65.
(Read more: Shawnee Mission Post – Community news and events for northeast Johnson County)