As thousands of New Jerseyans and tourists flock to beaches and pools to cool down, some areas are implementing swimming restrictions because of a lifeguard shortage. That means fewer swimming days and shorter hours.
That’s not the case in Belmar. The Shore town has a veteran group of 96 lifeguards, most of whom joined the Beach Patrol years ago. Chief Lifeguard Harry Harsin said it wasn’t too difficult putting the staff together. “With the salaries being … much more attractive now, we’re getting some better qualified candidates, the people that want to put the effort into become an ocean lifeguard.” He noted that Belmar had raised the pay; lifeguards there start at $16.50 an hour, $2 more than last summer.
At Island Beach State Park, more pay has also led to more people wanting to become lifeguards. Lifeguard pay there starts at $18.50 an hour as the park competes with nearby towns for labor.
David Kotz is president of Elite Tactical Academy, where he trains lifeguards. The COVID-19 pandemic was a factor in limiting lifeguard courses, he said, leading to fewer certified lifeguards. “The pandemic year took a toll on the individual departments and agencies, and there’s a challenge getting things going again,” he said, adding, “I think we’re finally starting to see that come through.”
