Lifeguard Shortages Threaten Safety at National Parks Amid Budget Cuts
CBS News investigation highlights how federal budget cuts, particularly during the Trump administration, led to long-term staffing problems for the National Park Service (NPS)—putting swimmers, hikers, and families at greater risk.
Credit: Original reporting and broadcast by CBS News
A growing crisis is unfolding across U.S. national parks: lifeguard shortages are leaving beaches unguarded, just as record numbers of families head outdoors for summer recreation. A CBS News investigation highlights how federal budget cuts, particularly during the Trump administration, led to long-term staffing problems for the National Park Service (NPS)—putting swimmers, hikers, and families at greater risk.
📉 Key Causes of the Lifeguard Shortage
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Reduced funding for seasonal staffing
A hiring freeze and financial cutbacks left thousands of summer positions—including lifeguards—unfilled. -
Training costs & access
Lifeguard training through providers like the American Red Cross or American Lifeguard Association (ALA) is often expensive, especially for teens or underserved communities. -
Lack of early outreach & education
Many potential lifeguards never receive information about how to get certified or where to train. -
Poor job conditions
Remote beaches, low pay, and short contracts make lifeguard roles less attractive compared to private employers.
⚠️ Consequences on the Ground
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Unsupervised swimming zones in areas like Sandy Hook, Great Kills Park, and Assateague Island
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Delayed emergency response times in critical situations
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Increased drowning risk, particularly for children and non-swimmers
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Erosion of public trust in the safety of national parks
“When people go to the beach, they expect someone will be there if something goes wrong,” one parent told CBS.
🏛️ Education Centers That Can Help
To address the shortage long-term, local and national education institutions must play a more active role. Potential collaborators include:
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Community colleges & technical schools
Programs at institutions like Miami Dade College, Austin Community College, and Santa Monica College can offer lifeguard certification for credit or workforce training. -
High schools & athletic academies
Schools can embed lifeguard certification into PE, health sciences, or summer work readiness programs. -
Vocational and recreational training hubs
Recreation departments, like NYC Parks & Rec or Los Angeles Aquatics, can run youth-oriented certification drives. -
Online + blended learning models
Using hybrid training modules offered by major certifiers (listed below) can expand access across rural or low-income areas.
🛠️ Solutions to Reverse the Shortage
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Create a Federal Lifeguard Grant Program
Provide funding for public institutions, nonprofits, and municipalities to offer free or subsidized lifeguard training. -
Incentivize Schools to Host Training
Allow schools and colleges to issue graduation credit or community service hours for lifeguard certification. -
Launch an NPS Lifeguard Corps
Similar to AmeriCorps, this seasonal program could recruit, train, and place certified young adults at federal beaches with travel stipends, housing, and leadership tracks. -
Streamline National Hiring
Reduce red tape in seasonal lifeguard onboarding by simplifying the USAJobs application process and speeding up background checks. -
Community-Based Swim Safety Programs
Support local YMCAs, swim clubs, and Boys & Girls Clubs to offer early water safety and rescue skill training starting at age 12–13.
🥇 Top Lifeguard Certification Providers (Nationally Recognized)
| Provider | Strengths |
|---|---|
| American Red Cross | Most widely accepted, includes CPR/AED, strong curriculum, nationwide reach |
| American Lifeguard Association (ALA) | Flexible training formats, widely accepted, especially for private sector |
| Ellis & Associates | Preferred for water parks and resorts, intense real-time response focus |
| YMCA Lifeguard Program | Community-based, often subsidized, integrated with youth development |
Recommendation:
🟢 For federal parks and public pools, the American Red Cross remains the gold standard due to its national recognition, integration with CPR/AED, and robust instructor network. For flexible or hybrid models, the ALA is a strong alternative.
🔭 Looking Forward
Solving the lifeguard shortage won’t happen overnight. But by connecting public safety needs with education systems, local leadership, and accessible training, national parks and communities can rebuild a lifeguard pipeline that protects lives—this summer and beyond.
🖋️ About the Author:
Benjamin Owen Leo is a civic-minded journalist and youth advocate focused on workforce training, community safety, and public education. His work highlights programs that prepare individuals for high-impact careers in recreation, emergency response, and health. Tamoor is especially committed to bridging access gaps in rural and underserved areas through training, storytelling, and policy solutions.
