New York Gov. Kathy Hochul greenlit a proposal that would lower the minimum age for certified lifeguards to 15 as a move to help alleviate a lifeguard shortage that has hit the nation and the tri-state area this summer. The minimum age was 16.
This lifeguard shortage forced New York City to eliminate several of its swim programs just before the summer months.the city’s Parks Department announced Tuesday. In total there are four programs affected by this measure and that they will leave New Yorkers unable to take these seasonal services.
“Due to a nationwide lifeguard shortage, we will unfortunately not be offering swim programs at our outdoor pools this summer, including Lap Swim, Senior Swim and Learn to Swim,” the department said on its Twitter account.