Columbia Parks and Recreation to delay opening pool season; seeks more lifeguards

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Columbia Parks and Recreation is delaying the reopening of city pools this summer due to a lifeguard shortage. The department needs a minimum of 70 guards.

The department reports that Albert-Oakland Family Aquatic Center opening has been delayed from May 29 to June 9. The pool will be open Wednesday through Sunday for two sessions from noon to 2 p.m. and from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Douglass Family Aquatic Center will open July 1 if enough lifeguards are hired.

Both Lake of the Woods Pool and Little Mates Cove at Twin Lakes will not be open for this season. Little Mates Cove at Twin Lakes will remain closed due to structural issues and a shortfall in revenue to pay for renovations and operation costs.

"We’re experiencing the same challenges with hiring staff that many are facing right now," said Parks and Recreation Director Mike Griggs. "If we don’t have adequate staffing at our pools to ensure safety for our pool users, then that leaves us no choice but to shorten our pool season and possibly not open some facilities. These are difficult decisions but we are hopeful we will still be able to add staff for the summer."

Parks and Recreation has four upcoming training sessions for lifeguards: May 25-27, June 4-6, June 14-16 and June 18-20. They are free of cost for those who are employed by the City only.