BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Outdoor pools in the City of Buffalo will not be reopening this year due to the lack of available lifeguards, according to Deputy Commissioner for Parks and Recreation Andy Rabb.
“Back in March, we started reaching out to all the lifeguards who worked for us in 2019, the last time all of our indoor and outdoor pools were open. While we were able to hire enough lifeguards to open our two indoor pools, and will be hiring additional staff to expand hours at those facilities, there just aren’t enough certified lifeguards out there to open the outdoor pools,” Rabb said.
The city's seven outdoor swimming pools and two wading pools are normally open from July 1 through Labor Day weekend.
“We need an additional 80 lifeguards to open our pools and it is not realistic to think enough lifeguards will get through the certification process before pool season ends,” Rabb said.
The lack of lifeguards has also had an impact on the Town of Tonawanda and YMCA Buffalo Niagara.
Splash pads in the city opened on Memorial Day and will remain open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (weather dependent) through Labor Day.
- Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park (foot of Porter Ave.)
- Allison Park (Reese St. adj. to Asarese Matters Ctr)
- Masten Park (Best St. adj. JBW Sports Pavillion)
- MLK Park Basin (Best St and Fillmore Ave)
- Lanigan Park (South Park Ave. west of Louisiana St.)
- Lincoln Park (foot of Quincy St.)
- Cazenovia Park (behind park casino)
- Houghton (foot of Spann St.)
- Schiller Park (Sprenger St. side)
- Roosevelt (foot of Roosevelt Ave.)
The city says the Kensington splash pad will be closed while the pool is under construction.
Beginning July 6 the city's two indoor pools will allow walk-ins and reservations will not be required. They will be open Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
You can find more information on outdoor pools in other areas of WNY here.
