Breaking: North Iowa Swimming Pools Dealing with Lifeguard Certification Issues

Several swimming pools in north Iowa are facing lifeguard shortages due to Red Cross certification issues.

A Facebook post by the St. Ansgar Aquatic Center says the situation affects over 300 lifeguards in north Iowa, causing many area pools to close. St. Ansgar officials add that their pool should be okay, since over half of their staff were trained by the pool’s current manager, leaving them with sufficient personnel to remain open. However, they add that there will be days they will have to close, or close early due to this issue.

The Nora Springs Aquatic Center which will be closed until further notice because of the Red Cross certification issues. The closure also means suspension of ALL swim lessons, water aerobics and parties. The Mason City Family Aquatic Center is also CLOSED until further notice. 

Officials with the Sheffield Swimming Pool say they are able to stay open due to their large “pool” of certified lifeguards. However, they ask guardians of the children using the baby pool to help supervise your child. They add that it’s unknown when they will be back to full staff. 

A City of Charles City Facebook post for the Lions Field Pool says they are open and is not affected by the Red Cross certification issues, which comes as temperatures are expected to climb into the 90s by the middle of next week,

A New Hampton Swimming Pool Facebook post says the pool will be losed Saturday due to staffing issues, but there’s no indication its due to certification problems. The post also says there will be a a pool party Saturday morning, but they will be unable to be open for public swimming.