Worker shortage leaves many high and dry

June 5, 2007

By Amie Pappas

Frontiersman

WASILLA - A staff shortage at the Wasilla swimming pool is slashing pool hours this summer.

In years past, the pool was open every Saturday. But this year it will only be open every other Saturday - five total for the season.

Pool Manager Art Grodin said the demand for pool time is significantly more than staff can provide for right now.

&#8220Our huge hole is in full-time staff.” Grodin said.

He said one of the full-time lifeguards is leaving this week.

The pool staff needs several part-time and two full-time lifeguards.

Temporary lifeguards can earn $10.11 an hour. Temporary swimming instructors start at $11.14 an hour.

Full-time swimming instructor positions start at $15.68 an hour and include a benefits package.

A recent employee recruitment poster features a split screen illustration with a lifeguard in action on one side and a close-up of a burger and fries on the other.

In bold type the ad asks &#8220Where would you rather work?”

Sue Bassard, 55, already answered that question when she signed on as a part-time lifeguard three years ago. She has been a swimmer since she was 11.

&#8220You're never too old,” Bassard said.

Many of the lifeguards are young, but the minimum age is 18.

Lifeguards must have lifeguard and CPR certification, and they must become water safety instructors.

Interested applicants can take classes to get certified at the pool. Lifeguard certification takes about 30 hours, and water safety instructor certification takes 35.

There is also a general training course of 20 hours. Applicants pay for all courses and after certification can become lifeguards.

On Thursday, the current 14 staff members at the Wasilla pool were attending their recertification classes, which come around every one to two years.

In a quiet room next to the pool, Grodin was teaching the CPR refresher class using an infant dummy to show resuscitation techniques.

Lifeguard skills were being renewed in the pool.

Lead worker Jill Irsik ran staff members through several specific drills, familiarizing the lifeguards with as many scenarios as possible.

One drill helped remind them what to do when a drowning person accidentally pushes them under the water in a panic.

Another was how to safely get a person to the shore to be placed on a stretcher.

The sooner the positions are filled, the sooner the pool can get back to the regular schedule.

&#8220We are looking for people who are certified and willing to work all hours - even weekends.” Irsik said. &#8220It pays well and it has good benefits.”

For more information, interested people may call the Wasilla pool at 376-4222.

Contact Amie Pappas at 352-2284 or amie.pappas@frontiersman.com.