New guards can make up to $14 per hour based on availability.
Due to an extreme shortfall of lifeguard applicants, Civic Center Pool will be the only Mentor pool open this summer. Opening day for the 2022 swim season is June 6th and limited hours are expected if additional guards cannot be found soon.
“We need a minimum of 80 lifeguards on staff to effectively operate all three municipal pools through the course of the swimming season,” says Kenn Kaminski, Parks & Recreation Director, “By this time of year, we are usually fully staffed but due to a lack of applicants, we are at less than 20% of our staffing goals. As a result, Morton Pool and Garfield Pool will unfortunately remain closed this year, and it looks like we’ll be forced to limit hours at Civic Center as well.”
Mentor is not the only community facing this challenge. Pools throughout the region are having a problem finding lifeguards.
“We’re not just competing with other aquatic facilities, we’re competing with the job market in general,” says Recreation Superintendent, Nita Justice, “Mentor is currently offering one of the best pay rates for municipal pools in Northeast Ohio to try and attract lifeguards this swim season.”
The starting pay rate for new lifeguards in Mentor was increased to $12.00 per hour – up $3.75 from last year – and the city is offering an additional $2.00 per hour bonus rate based on availability. Returning lifeguards have the opportunity to make up to $16.00 per hour (including that same hourly bonus incentive) based on how long they’ve worked for the city.
The position requires a minimum commitment of 25 hours per week including afternoon, evening, and weekend hours, from May through August. Applicants must be age 15 or older, strong swimmers, and possess a valid American Red Cross (or similar) Lifeguarding Training Certification which includes CPR for Professional Rescuers Certification & First Aid.
The City of Mentor is offering a Lifeguarding Certification course for those not yet certified AND interested in working for the City this summer. The course will be held June 6 – June 10 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Civic Center Pool. The Registration Fee is $175.00 but will be fully reimbursed to those who work as a lifeguard at the Mentor pool and meet the minimum requirements throughout the season. Please call (440) 974-5720 for details and registration.
This interested are invited to learn more at www.cityofmentor.com/employment or contact the Mentor Parks & Recreation Department at (440) 974-5720 or parks@cityofmentor.com with any questions. The City of Mentor is an Equal Opportunity Employer.