Milwaukee County has employed solely about 30% of the 200 lifeguards it wants this season, prompting a choice to once more not workers Bradford Seaside this summer season. 

Regardless of a six-month recruitment effort and pay incentives, the division has discovered itself about 20 lifeguards wanting even the roughly 80 on workers this time final yr, stated Man Smith, government director of Milwaukee County Parks. 

“It’s mindblowing,” he stated. 

The division additionally cited ongoing staffing challenges for the closure of extra swimming pools and water parks this season.

However there’s some excellent news for the summer season. The town of Milwaukee introduced that 2022 will mark the return of its Fourth of July celebrations after two years of cancellations as a result of COVID-19 pandemic.

The county, too, is bringing again its well-known July 3 lakefront fireworks after a two-year hiatus brought about first by the pandemic and, final yr, a scarcity of staff.

And there’ll nonetheless be quite a lot of staffed areas for Milwaukee County residents to get their toes moist.

Extra: Most Milwaukee seashores do not have lifeguards. This is what you must find out about security earlier than you go.

Third yr with out lifeguards at Bradford Seaside

This marks the third yr in a row that the county has had no lifeguards at Bradford Seaside.

The submit on Lake Michigan is especially difficult and unpredictable, requiring extra expertise than most of the present lifeguards on workers can provide, Smith stated. A lot of the lifeguard corps was misplaced in 2020, when the division could not open its amenities as a result of pandemic. 

At minimal, the division would need 10 guards on the seashore however would ideally have 12 to 14.

If there’s capability, Smith stated he hoped the division may provide coaching on the seashore this summer season to rebuild its cadre of lifeguards to workers it in future years.

There will even be no lifeguards at Grant Park in South Milwaukee or Medical doctors Park in Fox Level, although these seashores haven’t been staffed in a very long time, he stated. 

The seashore at McKinley Park will even stay closed as a examine on rip currents is below means there.

The Parks Division has struggled with a decline in lifeguard candidates since earlier than the pandemic, however nationwide labor shortages in recent times have solely exacerbated the issue. 

The division had 202 lifeguards in 2017, and that determine declined annually till 2020, when there have been no lifeguards on workers as a result of pandemic. 

Presently final yr, the division had about 80 lifeguards, Smith stated. 

This yr, a six-month recruitment effort, a rise in hourly wages and summer season bonuses had been sufficient for the division to fill solely about 60 of the 200 lifeguard positions wanted for the season. 

Lifeguards this season are paid between $16.14 and $22 per hour, relying on the place and certifications.

These desirous about turning into lifeguards have a remaining likelihood subsequent week.

Candidates must take part in coaching classes from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Monday by way of Thursday and cross a check at 8 a.m. on Saturday.

Some Milwaukee County swimming pools, splash pads and wading swimming pools to open

The amenities which are open replicate an effort to offer equitable entry throughout the county, Smith stated.

From mid-June to mid-August the county will open 5 splash pads, 9 wading swimming pools and 4 outside swimming pools — Schulz Aquatic Middle at Lincoln Park, Sheridan Park Pool, Wilson Park Pool and McCarty Park Pool.

Splash pads at Madison Park in Wauwatosa and Moody Park, Gordon Park, Carver Park and Dineen Park in Milwaukee can be open. 

County wading swimming pools can be open at Cooper Park, Smith Park, Humboldt Park, Wedgewood Park, Lindsay Park and Sherman Park in Milwaukee, along with West Milwaukee Park in West Milwaukee, Hales Corners Park in Hales Corners and La Follette Park in West Allis. 

Dates, hours and payment info can be found at MKEswim.com.

Metropolis of Milwaukee to carry again July 4 festivities

The town of Milwaukee is bringing again its Fourth of July celebrations this yr after festivities had been canceled for the previous two years as a result of pandemic. 

Having celebrated Independence Day with group occasions throughout the town since 1911, Milwaukee desires to carry again actions all through the town’s parks, together with parades, picnics and the much-loved fireworks show, based on an announcement from the town. 

“Independence Day is particular in Milwaukee. We look ahead to recognizing the Fourth of July and offering a secure, pleasant celebration of America’s independence in parks all through the town,” Mayor Cavalier Johnson stated. “I’m excited to proceed the historical past of July 4th celebrations in Milwaukee with a concentrate on households, mates and neighbors.”

Celebrations can be held at Alcott Park, Enderis Playfield, Gordon Park, Humboldt Park, Jackson Park, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, Lake Park, Lincoln Park, Mitchell Park, Noyes Park, Washington Park and Wilson Park.

Lincoln and Washington parks may have fireworks shows on July 4.

Earlier this yr, Milwaukee County Parks confirmed that they deliberate to carry again the July 3 fireworks celebrated on Milwaukee’s lakefront.

Smith stated, although, that staffing stays a problem.

To tug it off, the division is soliciting volunteers to assist with clean-up efforts after occasions from July 3-5. And whereas members of parks administration typically pitched in earlier than, he stated this yr their assist can be a lot wanted. 

“It’s mandatory for us to do that,” he stated of the on-the-ground help from management, together with himself. “Perhaps it was a nice-to-have earlier than.”

Contact Alison Dirr at 414-224-2383 or adirr@jrn.com. Comply with her on Twitter @AlisonDirr.