Lack of lifeguards reduces pool’s hours

A shortage of lifeguards will affect the operating hours at Charles “Sparky” Kawamoto Swim Stadium from next week until further notice.

Starting Monday (March 19), the pool will close earlier on weekdays — 6 p.m. instead of the typical 7:10 p.m. — and will not be open at all on Sundays. Hours on Saturdays are unchanged.

Roxcie Waltjen, director of the county Parks and Recreation Department, said the change in hours is to accommodate, among other things, a shortage of pool lifeguards.

“To have a pool open, you need to have two certified lifeguards present,” Waltjen said. Because of staff changes, the pool no longer has enough lifeguards to maintain its original hours.”

“A lifeguard calling in sick even causes problems now,” Waltjen said about the shortage.

Waltjen said the department exhausted its list of lifeguard candidates, but is in the process of soliciting applications. When the staff shortage is resolved, pool hours will be restored to their original state.

Candidates can apply for a full-time lifeguard position at jobs.hawaiicounty.gov. The Parks and Recreation Department also will offer a lifeguard training course next week at Pahoa Pool. Participation costs $75 per person, and participants can register by calling the Parks and Recreation Department.

Email Michael Brestovansky at mbrestovansky@hawaiitribune-herald.com.