HOURS ARE BEING EXPANDED AND RESERVATIONS ARE NO LONGER REQUIRED FOR SWIMMERS USING THE CITY’S 2 INDOOR POOLS
Buffalo, NY – Andrew R. Rabb, Deputy Commissioner of the City of Buffalo’s Department of Parks & Recreation, today announced the City’s seven outdoor swimming pools and two wading pools will remain closed this summer due to a critical lifeguard shortage.
Rabb said Buffalo, like municipalities across Erie County and New York State, is being forced to keep pools closed because of the staffing situation.
“Back in March, we started reaching out to all the lifeguards who worked for us in 2019, the last time all of our indoor and outdoor pools were open. While we were able to hire enough lifeguards to open our two indoor pools, and will be hiring additional staff to expand hours at those facilities, there just aren’t enough certified lifeguards out there to open the outdoor pools,” Rabb said
The COVID-19 pandemic kept pools throughout New York State shuttered in 2020, a situation which prevented new lifeguards from obtaining certification and veteran lifeguards from getting re-certified.
“We need an additional 80 lifeguards to open our pools and it is not realistic to think enough lifeguards will get through the certification process before pool season ends,” Rabb added.
Traditionally, the City’s outdoor pools are open from July 1 through Labor Day weekend.
Mayor Byron W. Brown said while its disappointing outdoor pools won’t open this summer, 10 City splash pads have been open since Memorial Day and two indoor pools are expanding hours of operation.
“Our splash pads are open for families to escape the heat and enjoy these great City assets. We’re seeing great numbers at those 10 outdoor facilities,” Mayor Brown said. “We’re also happy to announce that with COVID restrictions lifted, we are able to expand hours of operation and end reservation policies at the Lovejoy and Cazenovia Park indoor pools.”
City splash pads are open 11am - 7pm, daily (weather dependent) through Labor Day, September 6, 2021.
