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Cleveland announces 'creative schedule' for city pools amid continuing lifeguard shortage

Despite what the city called a 'concerted effort' to recruit more lifeguards, applications decreased from last year, forcing the city into some 'creative' schedules.

CLEVELAND — The city of Cleveland has announced its plans to open all of its operable pools at community and recreation centers this summer, but the plans come with some major caveats as the city continues to contend with a nationwide lifeguard shortage. 

All of the city's outdoor and indoor pools, with the exception of nine pools that are currently undergoing renovations, will be open on certain days from noon to 7:45 p.m. starting Saturday, June 8 through Sunday, August 8. Each pool will close from 4-5 p.m. for lifeguard breaks and pool maintenance. But not every pool will be open every day; outdoor pools will be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, while indoor pools will be open three days per week. 

RELATED: What pools will be open this summer near Cleveland?

Despite what the city in a news release called a "concerted effort" to recruit more lifeguards, applications decreased from last year, when the city and much of Northeast Ohio was already facing a shortage. Due to the lack of lifeguards, all deep ends of pools will "likely be closed for customer safety," the city says. 

That's not the only limitation: customers will be limited to 45-minute sessions, which the city said was meant to "maximize customer usage." 

"At the conclusion of each session, users must leave the pool and are free to check back in to re-enter the pool," the city said. "Customers must line up for each session and are admitted on a first-come, first-serve basis."

Despite the rash of closures and modifications for this summer, city Recreation Commissioner Sam Gissentaner insists "all of our residents will be able to enjoy their local pool."

“The lifeguard shortage continues to be an issue that communities across the country face and that is no different here in Cleveland,” Gissentaner said.  “We strategically came up with a plan that maximizes our limited resources through a creative schedule that allows all operable pools citywide to be open throughout the summer with safety at top of mind."

Cleveland's Division of Recreation is still actively recruiting anyone who has a Red Cross lifeguarding certification, even if they don't live in the city. Lifeguards who are certified can go through a "fast-tracked application process" by calling 216-664-3987. 

Beginning Aug. 19, the first day of school for the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, pool hours will return to Monday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Here is the list of pools that will be open and the daily schedule of operation. The city says all schedules are subject to change daily depending on staffing levels. 

Outdoor pools 

(open Wednesday through Sunday)

  • Duggan Park
  • Forest Hill Park
  • Gassaway Pool
  • Greenwood Park
  • Halloran Park
  • Impett Park
  • James Bell Pool
  • Kerruish Park
  • Lincoln Park
  • Loew Park
  • Luke Easter Park
  • Mark Tromba Park
  • Meyer Pook
  • Neff Pool
  • Sunrise Pool / Mercedes Cotner Park
  • Warsaw Park  
  • Woodland Pool

Indoor pools

(Open Monday, Tuesday and one additional day as noted) 

  • Collinwood (open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday)
  • Lonnie Burten (open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday)
  • Stella Walsh (open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday)
  • Thurgood Marshall (open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday)
  • Cudell (open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday)
  • Fairfax (open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday)
  • Glenville (open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday)
  • Hamilton (open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday)
  • Earle B. Turner (open Monday, Tuesday and Friday)
  • Estabrook (open Monday, Tuesday and Friday) 
  • Frederick Douglass (Monday, Tuesday and Friday)
  • Kovacic (Monday, Tuesday and Friday) 
  • Michael Zone (Monday, Tuesday and Friday)

Closed pools

The following pools are closed this summer amid ongoing renovations: 

  • Central NRRC
  • Clark NRRC
  • Cory NRRC
  • Gunning NRRC
  • Glendale Park
  • Lonnie Burten Outdoor Pool
  • Lake Park
  • Serling NRRC
  • Woodland Indoor Pool

Access to city pools is free and open to all ages. A full list of the city's pools and spray basins can be found here.

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