Following community outcry to open the New River Park pool, Beckley city officials have decided to change the age restrictions on lifeguards and increase pay to help make it happen.
Leslie Baker, director of Parks and Recreation for the city of Beckley, told common council members during their Tuesday, June 22, meeting that those aged 16 and 17 may now apply to work as a lifeguard. Previously, the city had decided that teens this young may not be mature enough to manage the guests at city pools, but a recent lifeguard shortage forcing them to close New River pool for the season has led them to change their minds.
Additionally, they have raised the starting lifeguard salary to $12 per hour. This is one of the highest pay rates in the area, according to Baker.
The staff at the Beckley YMCA has decided to hold a prerequisite class on Saturday, June 26, from 9 a.m. until noon for those interested in becoming a lifeguard. The prerequisite class is open to the first 12 people to register. For more information call the YMCA at 304-252-0715.
For those who already have their lifeguard certification, they may go to the Youth Museum of Southern WV on Ewart Avenue to fill out an application between the hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday.
The target date to open New River Park pool is July 9, depending on the availability of certified lifeguards, Baker said.
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