Memorial Day is just over a month away and unofficially marks the beginning of summer. For nearby communities with public pools, it is also their opening weekend for the season, but city officials from across the region are unsure if they will be allowed to open for the three-day holiday. Lake City Administrator, Eric Wood, says they are currently in the process of prepping their pool for the season just in case.
Hiring qualified lifeguards is often an issue for smaller communities, and Wood says potential employees are not able to take the necessary training at this time.
He adds the state may extend existing certifications to help partially alleviate the issue, but nothing has been made official yet. While public safety remains their top concern, Wood says it would be tough on many families if Lake City’s pool were to remain closed for the summer.
It is a similar situation for nearly all the local pools. According to Carroll Parks and Recreation Director, Jack Wardell, and Glidden City Administrator, Brooke Petersen, they have lined up managers and staff for the summer, but it is unclear if they will be following their normal season schedule. They have all indicated they will comply with orders from the governor and are prepared to make any necessary changes if limited operations are allowed.
