WORCESTER, Mass. - The City of Worcester is partnering with the YMCA to hire and staff city beaches and pools.

The city contracted the YMCA of Central Massachusetts to recruit, train and hire lifeguards for the 2024 summer.

Over the past few years, the city has faced challenges in recruiting and hiring the required number of guards and hasn't been able to open all aquatic facilities as a result.

In response, the Department of Public Works and Parks issued a request for proposals for aquatic facility staffing of public pools and beaches.

They received four submissions and awarded the contract to the YMCA.

 “All the lifeguards would be at their management,” said City Manager Eric Batista. “It would just be contracted work for us and we would give this opportunity to them. And so it gives them the opportunity to move people around within their networks. And so if people are lifeguards in different areas of Central Mass., it allows them to move around to ensure that we have the adequate amount of staff in our parks and beaches."

The city will still manage the staffing of the two spray parks as well as trash removal, general cleanup, and water quality at all aquatic sites.

If you're interested in becoming a lifeguard, you can apply on the YMCA’s website.