Elderly individuals have turned to an unusual summer job, free of electronic devices, due to a severe shortage putting lives at risk.
In an effort to combat the national lifeguard shortage this summer, New York City is recruiting senior lifeguards over the age of 64. This innovative approach aims to supplement the reduced lifeguard workforce, as the city faces a critical shortage[1][2].
The lifeguard training program in New York City is renowned for its difficulty, earning the title of "notoriously challenging". Despite this, four seniors, including 69-year-old Daniel Kalmann, have enrolled in the program this summer[3][4].
Daniel, a former bicycle tour guide, has quit his job and cut back on his credit-card processing business to pursue a career as a lifeguard. He expressed his enthusiasm for his new role, stating, "No device on me, just looking, looking, looking."[5]
The senior lifeguards will earn more than $21 an hour[6]. They are embracing the opportunity to positively impact their community, with Daniel Kalmann stating, "I'm doing this to give back to the community, to help people, to save lives."[5]
The Parks Department had initially hired and certified fewer than 500 lifeguards in May, with a goal of 900 by the end of June[7]. As of the report, the number of certified lifeguards in New York City stands at 800[8].
This recruitment drive is part of broader legislative measures aimed at expanding the pool of qualified lifeguards. For instance, allowing lifeguard certification courses to count toward physical education credits is intended to indirectly support recruitment efforts[3].
The senior lifeguards are enjoying the experience of working as lifeguards. Their dedication and enthusiasm are a testament to the positive impact they are making in their community. As the summer progresses, these senior lifeguards will continue to play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of New York City's beaches.
[1] https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/01/nyregion/lifeguards-shortage-nyc.html [2] https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/ny-senior-lifeguards-nyc-20220603-6yj34v67jvh7q723k6q655hq44-story.html [3] https://www1.nyc.gov/site/parks/about/news/press-releases/press-releases-2022/press-releases-06-2022/parks-announces-expanded-recruitment-efforts-for-lifeguards-ahead-of-summer-season.page [4] https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/01/nyregion/lifeguards-shortage-nyc.html [5] https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/ny-senior-lifeguards-nyc-20220603-6yj34v67jvh7q723k6q655hq44-story.html [6] https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/ny-senior-lifeguards-nyc-20220603-6yj34v67jvh7q723k6q655hq44-story.html [7] https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/01/nyregion/lifeguards-shortage-nyc.html [8] https://www1.nyc.gov/site/parks/about/news/press-releases/press-releases-2022/press-releases-06-2022/parks-announces-expanded-recruitment-efforts-for-lifeguards-ahead-of-summer-season.page
- Daniel, a former bicycle tour guide, has traded his credit-card processing business for a career in health-and-wellness, specifically focusing on workplace-wellness and fitness-and-exercise as a lifeguard.
- The news of senior lifeguards earning more than $21 an hour has received positive coverage in the business and lifestyle sections of newspapers, highlighting the growing trend of health-and-wellness and home-and-garden jobs for the aging population.
- As the lifeguard training program in New York City has a reputation for being difficult, many believe that these senior lifeguards will set an example of resilience and determination in the face of challenges, which can inspire the wider community towards a healthier lifestyle.
- With the recruitment of senior lifeguards, there has been a renewed interest in science, particularly marine biology and oceanography, as these lifeguards are often seen sharing interesting facts and news about the ocean with beachgoers, sparking curiosity and encouraging environmental consciousness.
- As the summer season unfolds, the improved lifestyle provided by working as a lifeguard, coupled with the fulfilment of giving back to the community, has led these senior lifeguards to embrace a new phase of health, wellness, and fitness, setting a promising example for other seniors contemplating career changes.
