BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Finding lifeguards in Boston during the summer has been a challenge over the past few years, but for summer 2024, there is finally some hope that the staffing issue will no longer be a problem for the city. Boston Center for Youth and Families (BCYF) Commissioner Marta Rivera says that the pandemic was at the core of the issue.
“We’re feeling very, very good that we’ll be fully staffed. We currently have a class of about 40 plus students coming out of our swim academy,” said Rivera.
Read More: Fenway Card Show Brings Out Droves Of Baseball Fans
The COVID pandemic posed a challenge for new lifeguards, specifically because the circumstances surrounding the pandemic prevented them getting the necessary training. This created a ripple effect that is just beginning to settle now.
Rivera also said that the city is set to be fully staffed this year, which was due in part to a $1,000 signing bonus incentive by waiving the city’s residency eligibility requirement.
“We’re also increasing the number of swim lessons for adults. What we find is that many adults, particularly in the Black community don’t know how to swim,” Rivera added.
Rivera also said that while she is not much of an avid swimmer herself, she does know how which she feels is a very important skill to learn.
“I actually learned to swim at the Hennigan School. I was a BPS kid and that was something you had to learn to do before you passed onto the next grade.”
WBZ NewsRadio's Chaiel Schaffel (@CSchaffelWBZ) reports
Follow WBZ NewsRadio: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | iHeartmedia App | TikTok