December 5, 2023
By: Dwayne Page
Calling all lifeguards!
The City of Smithville is in need of lifeguards at least age 15 or older in order for the Municipal Swimming Pool to open on time in May.
Last year the city could not open the pool due to the lack of available lifeguards.
In an effort to help solve the problem this year, the Smithville Aldermen, during its regular monthly meeting Monday night, voted to increase the pay of lifeguards from $12 to $15 per hour and for the city to pay up front the $230 fees for lifeguards to attend classes to become certified. Lifeguards or their parents would be required to sign an agreement (contract) to reimburse the city for the cost if the lifeguards were to fail the test or resign before the season is over.
“I know we did not get to open it (pool) last year but our hope is to open it this upcoming season,” said Mayor Josh Miller.
“I have asked Mr. (Vester) Parsley, city attorney to get a contract together because in the past the city reimbursed lifeguards once they passed the tests. I know this puts a hardship on people having to pay for this out of their pockets. This year what we are going to do and if you are not age 18, you will need a parent or guardian to sign this contract, but the city will pay for you to take the test up front. If you fail the test or if you don’t make it through (work) the season you have to reimburse the city. There has to be some accountability to this,” said Mayor Miller.
“The other thing I would like to ask this council to consider tonight is to up the pay for lifeguards from $12 to $15 per hour. That’s for probably about 10 week out of the year. Of course, our lifeguards are usually high school students and when school starts back we don’t have any lifeguards. That’s why we really can’t open the pool until school is out in May and that is why the pool is not open longer in the summer than it is,” added Mayor Miller.
Gina Cawthorn, pool manager, said at least 15 lifeguards are needed and certification classes are being offered.
“We need at least 15 lifeguards before we can open even for three or four days a week. Right now I am begging for lifeguards”.
“Last year we only had seven come forward. People ask why do you need more than seven lifeguards?. Lets say we are open five days a week, six to eight hours a day, we can’t leave a lifeguard out in the sun over four or five hours. Its not healthy. They need to be relieved every four or five hours,” said Cawthorn.
“I have two former lifeguards coming back and from last year and another who was willing last year but unable to work. She will be with us this year Classes are taking place now in Murfreesboro and Lebanon and there are other options available for taking the classes.
The pool is scheduled to open after school is out usually around Memorial Day weekend.
For more information Call Gina 615-597-6648