Latest news with #MilwaukeeCountyParksDepartment
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Milwaukee County pool openings; some to remain closed this season
The Brief The Milwaukee County Parks Department said there are five pools not opening this summer. More than 170 lifeguards are being hired to kick off the season as other pools start to open. All splash pads and wading pools will be open for the summer. MILWAUKEE - The weather is finally starting to warm up, which means local pools are opening up. But the Milwaukee County Parks Department said there are five locations not opening this summer. Big picture view Rena Cannon lives near Washington Park. For the last several years, she said the pool there has been closed. The Milwaukee County Parks Department said it will remain closed this summer. FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android Pelican Cove Aquatic Center, Jackson Pool, Hales Corners Pool and Grobschmidt Pool are also closed for the 2025 season. "I think they need to open it back up for the community because the children need it," Cannon said. "Like, where is a good pool? And everyone is talking about going south, going south, and it's like, what about over here?" Cannon said she has to drive at least 30 minutes to get to a pool. "That's gas money. If we want to go somewhere three times a week – that's 30, 40 minutes there, and back. That's a long way," she said. "That's a long way to go." What they're saying Andrea Wallace of Milwaukee County Parks said the closures are because of mechanical issues. "With some facilities that haven't been open in years, we have some mechanical issues that we have to deal with – whether it is a bad pool lining or a filter system or concrete work," she said. Instead, Wallace said the department is focused on lifeguard staffing, and starting off the season with more than 170 lifeguards. SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News "Staffing has definitely been at the forefront recently," Wallace said. "In the last probably five years as we build the lifeguard core from zero in 2020." Wallace said all splash pads and wading pools will be open for the summer. For a full list of pool openings, visit the Milwaukee County Parks website. The Source The information in this post was collected and produced by FOX6 News.
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Milwaukee County lifeguard training, retention; starting pay $17.47/hour
The Brief Milwaukee County Parks is doing what it can to attract 200 people to become lifeguards for the upcoming summer. The job of lifeguard has a starting pay of $17.47 an hour. Incentives are being offered for those interested in taking on this endeavor. MILWAUKEE - Milwaukee County Parks is looking to recruit lifeguards after summers of staffing challenges. What we know Lifeguard recruitment and training is well underway. In-water training started in January. Andrea Wallace of Milwaukee County Parks said the turnout is encouraging – especially after years of staffing challenges due to COVID-19. What they're saying "Rebuilding that has taken several years. So now that we have a lot of those experienced guards returning, we're definitely reinvigorated," Wallace said. "Really, retention has been our focus this season." The Milwaukee County Parks Department said in 2024, they filled 136 lifeguard positions. In 2025, they are aiming to fill 200 lifeguard positions. FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android "We were able to open five pools last year – instead of our core four, which was a huge accomplishment," Wallace said. "I enjoy working over the summer. It's a nice job to have. It's easy to maintain while being a student," said Alejandro Lezama, a returning lifeguard. What we know Wallace said Milwaukee County Parks is on track to fill all positions. They are offering incentives to keep those numbers up. The starting wage for a lifeguard is $17.47 – and you could win things like Summerfest or Brewers tickets. What you can do To be a lifeguard in Milwaukee County, you have to be at least 16 years old – or turn 16 by summer. SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News You can learn much more about the process of applying, training and becoming a lifeguard on the Milwaukee County Parks website. The Source The information in this post was produced by FOX6 News with help from Milwaukee County Parks.
