Lack of Lifeguards
You may have noticed that the pool has been closed on intermittently because we don't have lifeguards to cover them. And as we move into 2027, our need for lifeguards will increase, as our insurance provider is now requiring us to have one lifeguard for each pool regardless of how many people are swimming.
I can point to a number of seasonal and societal reasons why this is happening, (Those of you who have been part of the WCY for a while, you know it is not the first time it has happened.) but pointing out the problems doesn't change them. The "fixes" we made in the past don't seem to be working or are not available this time. As a result, we will be trying different approaches.
First, we are reviewing the hourly wages we pay. We know that pay is not the main reason people work here - it's more of a heart job, and I am grateful for that! We depend, at every level, on people who value this Y as a community heart and hub. And we also need pay more. (Just in the past six years, we have increased our entry level wage by $3.25, more than 26%.)
Also, we have also entered into a partnership with Y's in our area to offer a lifeguarding class every month. We offered one in October; there is one at Penbay at the beginning of November, one at Bangor at the end of November, and another at Bangor in December. We reimburse the cost plus travel expenses for anyone who comes to work for us. (Call me or Sue Lapham to learn more. 338-4598)
We are looking for a full-time Assistant Aquatics Director. In addition to helping manage our programs like First Grade Swim Safety and group lessons, they will help us weather the times when a lifeguard cannot make it to their shift. (if you are interested or know someone who might be, please call!)
While these changes will have an impact on our budget, we don't want to have to close the pool! We want this Y to be available to people so that they can exercise, rehabilitate, and relax in our terrific pool complex.
I hope it is helpful to hear about this. I wish I knew how to balance all the competing interests that are going on in the world. But what I know (and have to relearn every day!) is that no one can do it alone. We do it together.
I love this community because you are willing to be part of the solution, not just point out the problems. Thank you.
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Did you see the nice shoutout about what the WCY can offer as the days get darker by Jim Leonard in the Midcoast Villager? Check it out:
“In Belfast, the Waldo County YMCA offers indoor swimming, an indoor walking and jogging track and group exercise. Its Membership For All financial assistance program can help make participation more affordable. A regular visit offers both movement and the chance to become familiar with other people who arrive at the same time each week.”
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