Lifeguard shortage threatens summer safety in the US.

A shortage of lifeguards is expected to impact over 50% of public pools in the US this summer, with poor pay and waning interest playing a part. Last summer, the shortage led to beach closures, shortened hours, and slashed community programs. The consequences can be fatal, as drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 5 to 14. Cities across the US are scrambling to hire lifeguards, and people are advised to check whether the pool or beach will have a lifeguard on the day of their visit, assign a water watcher, and make sure non-swimmers wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket.