Proper pool chemical maintenance is essential to any aquatics facility’s safe and healthy functioning. Most times, pool staff or highly sophisticated filtration systems handle the maintenance, mixing and deployment of these chemicals, but at Abe Montoya Recreation Center in Las Vegas, New Mexico, the pool is closed indefinitely as they don’t have anyone to do this job.
According to reporting by the Las Vegas Optic, “the city does not currently have anyone on staff able to properly mix the chemicals to make the pool safe to swim in.”
The staffing shortage and pool closure came to light after water aerobics class participants arrived for their session on Oct. 7, but found the pool closed. Despite the closure, the facility has been posting advertisements on its Facebook page for standard pool hours and in-water classes.
At the heart of the issue may be the city’s parks and recreation director, Arturo Padilla. Padilla is currently on administrative leave and the department has not offered the public any explanation for Padilla’s absence. As reported by the Las Vegas Optic, “The City Council is scheduled to discuss whether to dismiss Padilla from his position during the closed executive session at the Oct. 16 City Council meeting.”
Between the lack of leadership and the staffing shortages — which many parks and recreation departments around the country can sympathize with — there is no projected re-opening date for the aquatic facility.
Staffing shortages like these are making headlines across the country, even after the summer months have waned. From New York City’s public pools and Vermont’s lake beaches to Louisville, Charlottesville and Philadelphia, hundreds of pools are reporting shortened hours due to a lack of staff.
For some cities, this has meant bending the rules on lifeguard qualifications. New York City Mayor, Eric Adams, approved amending the lifeguard hiring tests so that, “Lifeguards who have failed to finish the 300-yard timed swim — one of the final and most grueling requirements — will now be able to man the stands at the city’s shallow-water pools,” rather than not hiring them.
At the Abe Montoya Recreation Center, a recent Facebook PSA called out to the community, “If you know anyone looking for a job as a lifeguard please have them apply!”
