East Grand Rapids is addressing a chronic lifeguard shortage with comprehensive pay increases approved by City Commission, designed to attract new hires and encourage current staff to take on less desirable shifts.

"There was time where we needed three staff members, and we had one," said Betsy Granstra, East Grand Rapids Aquatic Supervisor and Race Director.

The city's pools serve up to 100 people daily for swim lessons, team practices, lap swimming, and recreational programs. The facilities include Wealthy Pool and the high school pool, which support adult therapeutic recreation, youth swim teams, and high school athletics.

Staffing challenges are seasonal. Many current lifeguards participate in aquatic sports themselves, making them less available during fall and winter peak sports seasons. Evening and weekend shifts present the greatest staffing gaps.

"We're a team at the Parks and Recreation Department, so the lifeguard shortage solution included other staff members who have other job responsibilities but also happen to be Red Cross trained as lifeguards, filling in for open lifeguard shifts," said Derek Melville, Director of Parks and Recreation.

"We do not compromise on safety so this update will not impact public safety, but it will allow our non-lifeguard staff that are filling in to focus on their other job responsibilities which include creating other fun programs and activities for the community," Melville said.

The new compensation structure includes:

• Adult lifeguards (18+): Hourly pay increased from $15 to $16.50
• Youth lifeguard pay: Rose from $15 to $15.75 per hour
• Early morning shift premium: Increased from $1.50 to $2.00 per hour
• New weekend shift premium: $2.00 per hour for shifts worked Friday after 5 p.m. through Sunday evening

With the weekend premium, youth lifeguards can earn up to $17.75 per hour during weekend shifts, while adult lifeguards can earn up to $18.50 per hour with the weekend premium.

"Our goal in increasing the wages includes a greater incentive to work shifts that may be seen as less desirable (nights/weekends) and to spread awareness of the fun and rewarding work environment that we offer," Melville said.

"We're proud to invest in our lifeguard team with meaningful pay increases and new shift incentives. These changes recognize the important role our staff play in keeping our community active and safe while helping us attract and retain the dedicated, high-quality team our pool patrons deserve," Melville said.

Those interested in lifeguard positions can find more information on the city's website.

Sources

• https://www.fox17online.com/news/local-news/east-grand-rapids-forest-hills-cascade/east-grand-rapids-boosts-lifeguard-pay-amid-hiring-push