(Photo via Unsplash).
A local beach and pool are sticking to their season-opening dates, despite staffing issues.
In the city of Cortland, Yaman Beach is open 3-7 p.m. daily until June 26. Hours will then switch to 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily after the 2022-23 school year concludes.
Wickwire Pool in Cortland is slated to open this Saturday, with daily hours of operation from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
With the community pool and water season almost in full swing, the Cortland Youth Bureau (CYB) is facing lifeguard shortages.
The shortage is not only a local situation, but a nationwide issue as well. According to CBS News and based on information from the American Lifeguard Association, over 300,000 public pools will be forced to close their doors or reduce hours.
Despite the challenges, CYB director Andrea Piedigrossi told The Cortland Voice that operating hours for Yaman Beach and Wickwire Pool will remain intact.
“However, there (might) be days I don’t have enough guards available and hours will be reduced and/or facilities will be closed,” Piedigrossi said, adding the public will be notified of any changes on CYB’s website and Facebook page.
According to Piedigrossi, CYB currently has 17 full-time lifeguards on staff. The goal, she added, is to have 22 lifeguards in total.
“Bringing in lifeguards has been a struggle this year,” Piedigrossi said. “A lot of them are returning lifeguards who are working in the field they are going to college to gain experience.”
Piedigrossi has also had issues finding closer in-person American Red Cross lifeguard courses available. She noted new lifeguards have traveled to the Syracuse, Ithaca and Binghamton areas to be trained.
A bright side for Piedigrossi was finding a local lifeguard instructor who will work with CYB to train guards. Those interested in training to be a lifeguard can contact Piedigrossi directly at [email protected] or 607-753-3021.
