GREEN BAY, Wis.— The hot summer season is fast approaching, but most Green Bay city pools may not be ready.

That’s according to the city’s recreation supervisor, Ann Moeller. She says the city has a large shortage of lifeguards and seasonal parks employees. She predicts the staffing shortage will likely force two of the city’s pools to open later than the tentative June 12 opening day.

“Now’s the time to do it. You’ll be outside. It’s a safe job in terms of the pandemic,” Moeller says.

That’s her pitch to people who are strong swimmers and have some free time this summer.

Moeller says the city has roughly 25 lifeguards ready for day one of the swimming season, however they still need 50 in order to open all pools.

Green Bay Parks and Rec isn’t the only department struggling to find lifeguards. Milwaukee County Parks is in need of 300 lifeguards before it’s able to open all pools and beaches.

The American Lifeguard Association, which trains many of the country’s lifeguards, says the shortage is nationwide. They cite a backlog of training due to the pandemic as one of the major reasons why.

Moeller says besides despite staffing issues, she’s excited to open at least one pool, and hopefully more, in June. She wants families to know pools are able to protect them from COVID-19.

“When you think of activities to do, this is a good one, this is a safe one,” she says. “An outdoor pool is going to be pretty up there as far as where you should feel comfortable.”

She says this is because they’re outdoors, in the sun and the water is chlorinated which helps “inactivate” the virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Moeller says her department will continue to try attracting people for open positions. In the meantime, she’s just enjoying looking ahead to what she believes will be a fun summer.

“We’re really excited to get our parks open, our pools open and have an opportunity for our community to play and be active.”