There is a lifeguard shortage across the country and our local Penobscot Bay Y is no stranger to this challenge.

Together, we have been working with community members since the pandemic to inspire and rebuild our staff of lifeguards and swim instructors. We now have a small but mighty lifeguard team of parents, grandparents, high school students, and others who want us to continue to run critical programs in the pools. But this caring team needs your help!

The number one cause of death for children under age 5 is drowning, which is why it's so important that local youth have access to a pool and swim safety lessons.

Our pools also offer great low-impact exercise options for active older adults and folks with diverse abilities, many of whom access our Y thanks to financial assistance programs. The pool at our Y is truly a community gem, but it takes a village to run it!

That's why we are sharing this call to action for local swimmers to become lifeguards. We will run a Lifeguard Certification Course Friday through Sunday, November 1, 2, 3 in Rockport, and we need to recruit at least five new people to join us.

We have many shifts available, and especially need guards from 3 to 7:30 p.m. on weeknights, and all day Saturday so that we can continue to run swim lessons this fall and winter. Other shifts are also available.

All lifeguards at our Y are paid for their service to our aquatics community. Please spread the word about our Lifeguard Course to your friends and family! Folks from all walks of life and of all active ages can qualify. Together we can continue to provide quality aquatics programs to the Midcoast community. Thank you for your support and consideration.