Grandma Steps Into Role Of Lifeguard To Prevent Closure Of Community Pool

Jun 23, 2023

During the summer, people tend to find several activities to make their time even more eventful. For adults and kids, picking an activity to engage in during the laid-back time is not arduous, as there is almost always something to do. People can master a new skill, go on a trip, interact with nature, join painting classes, and make music, among others. 

For some, swimming is always on the table regardless of what activity is picked during the summer. There is no better way to cool off in the hot summer heat while having fun simultaneously than getting in the water. What's more, people visiting pools can make new friends and meaningful connections.  

But over the years, access to public pools and swimming during the summer has been threatened by the shortage of lifeguards available. Like the summer before, this one is no different, as pools across the country have been forced to operate on fewer days due to the lifeguard shortage.

According to a June 2023 report by CBS, a spokesperson for the American Lifeguard Association cited low salaries, a lack of qualified applicants, and a rigorous testing process as some of the reasons behind the lifeguard shortage currently experienced across the country.

Like most public pools in the country, the situation in Sycamore Township of Cincinnati, Ohio, was no different, as the pool faced the possibility of closure due to the lifeguard shortage. However, in June 2023, 66-year-old Gail Rogers from Cincinnati stepped up to the challenge and ensured the lack of lifeguards didn’t stop the fun in the township. Continue reading to see how this grandma prevented the pool in her community from occasional closure.

A 66-year-old grandma too on a lifeguard job to help cushion the shortage of lifeguards and ensure that kids have access to the pool throughout the summer. Rogers lives in a condominium community that has a private pool facility. 

However, due to the shortage of lifeguards, the management announced that the pool might be closed on specific days during the week. After recognizing the problem, Rogers rose to the occasion, getting a job as a Lifeguard to prevent the pool's closure. In an interview with FOX19 NOW, the senior citizen shared her motivation for taking the job.

"There's a need out there, and there's a population that can fill that need," she said. "I think it's great to be able to sit outside and enjoy the nice weather. It keeps you in shape; you find out you can do things you weren't really sure you could do, like swim 300 yards," she added.

Interestingly, it wasn't the senior citizen's first time as a lifeguard; she revealed that she worked in that role as a teenager. Last year, Rogers supported her previous experience with lifeguard classes, which certified her as qualified to take on the role. Now, the grandma resumes her job on days when other Lifeguards need a day off.

Besides getting her job done, working at the pool has helped the grandma socialize more with community members.

"So, I'm getting to know them, I'm getting to know all the kids, and I think maybe the kids will respond to me as a lifeguard more so because I am older," Rogers shared.

Although Rogers' work schedule allows her ample time to bring her grandkids to the pool, the grandma revealed that she would probably work longer once the younger lifeguards return to school at the end of summer.

What do you think of Gail Rogers stepping up to fill in the role of a lifeguard? Should more people undergo training to become lifeguards? Let us know, and pass this on to your friends and family.