Seattle lifeguard shortage closes Seward Park swimming beach

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

A shortage in trained lifeguards has caused Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) to close the popular swimming beach at Seward Park indefinitely.

Last year, budget cuts and local spikes in COVID-19 cases caused the city to close several swimming areas at the height of summer. This year, the department has faced difficulty hiring trained staff, leading to the decision to close the swimming beach at Seward Park.

The park was chosen based on "equity considerations, geographic distribution, and proximity to other open beaches," according to the department.

"At the beginning of summer, SPR had sufficient staffing to maintain 8 swimming beaches, but we are currently unable to do so due to a higher-than-normal staff attrition rate, as well as a higher percentage of inexperienced staff resulting from impacts from the pandemic last year when many aquatics facilities were closed, and most hiring was put on hold," wrote Seattle Parks on their blog Tuesday.

https://www.seattlepi.com/local/seattlenews/article/Seattle-lifeguard-shortage-closes-Seward-Park-16301388.php

[QED]

1. That was my neighborhood beach growing up.

Never forget the first time I made it out the raft. I felt so grown up.