Austin pools start to open; lifeguards still needed

The city of Austin needs lifeguards to staff its swimming pools, including Barton Springs. Pam LeBlanc photo

Time to pull out the swimsuits, folks.

City pools and splashpads are starting to open, and registration has begun for swim lessons and swim teams. But until the city can hire and train more lifeguards, some facilities will remain closed, and others will operate with modified hours and capacity.

After a year-long hiring freeze and disruptions to its training programs, the Austin Parks and Recreation Department has just 150 lifeguards – a fifth of the 750 guards needed to fully staff its pools.

Apply to become a lifeguard at LifeguardAustin.com. Pay starts at $15 per hour. Applicants must be 15 or older and must complete training and certification to get the job.

Want to swim? Springwoods, Bartholomew, Big Stacy, Barton Springs, and Deep Eddy Pools are currently open, and Govalle and Shipe Pools will open June 5. As staffing allows, Balcones, Mabel Davis, Montopolis, Parque Zaragoza, and Rosewood pools also will open.

Many of the city’s splash pads sustained damage during the winter storm in February, but the pads at Bartholomew, Chestnut, Liz Carpenter and Metz have opened. More will come on line as repairs are finished.

Registration for swim lessons and swim teams has begun. Session 1 lessons begin June 7 and swim team starts June 14 at Balcones, Govalle, Mabel Davis, Montopolis, Rosewood and Ship pools. Session 2 and 3 swim lessons will be offered at Bartholomew, Big Stacy, Deep Eddy, Parque Zaragoza, Ramsey and Springwoods Pools.

Swim teams begin June 14 at Balcones, Bartholomew, Big Stacy, Govalle, Mabel Davis, Montopolis, Rosewood, Shipe and Springwoods pools.

To register for swim lessons and swim teams, go to AustinTexas.gov/ParksOnline.