Chattanooga Cumberland Presbyterian Church (Tennessee-Georgia Presbytery) in Chattanooga, Tennessee, is in search of five to ten more certified lifeguards for the summer season. According to the American Lifeguard Association, nearly half of the nation’s more than 300,000 pools will likely be affected this summer by a nationwide lifeguard shortage. After years of renovations, high operating costs and COVID setbacks, the First Cumberland Pool, formerly known as Cumberland Youth Foundation, is at risk of reducing its hours if staff cannot find lifeguards to manage the pool.

“Fewer public pools are opening this summer due to aging facilities, declining visitation and high expenses,” officials said.