Summer is almost here and Meridian Parks and Recreation is looking to hire lifeguards to keep local children safe as they spend the hottest months of the year splashing in city pools.

 

Parks and Recreation Director Thomas Adams said roughly 15-16 lifeguards are needed to fully staff pools at both Highland Park and Velma Young, and summer programs such as offering swimming lessons also depend on having the staff to make sure pools are used safely.

 

“The more we can secure, the better,” he said.

 

Lifeguard positions are open to those age 16 and older, Adams said, and are a good summer job for a student, young adult or even an older adult looking to make some extra money. With pay ranging from $15 to $20 per hour, he said there are opportunities to work are available almost every day in June and July.

 

Certification as a lifeguard is not required as the city will pay for employees to attend certification courses offered at Meridian Community College beginning in May. The two or three-day course will be offered several times throughout the month to teach employees what they need to know.

 

Applications for lifeguard positions are available at Meridian Parks and Recreation offices located in the new Frank Cochran Center at Highland Park.

 

Opening day for the Highland Park pool is set for Memorial Day on May 26. The city will open the Velma Young pool in July.

 

Summer Fun

 

While the city looks to stock up on lifeguards ahead of summer break, plans are also underway for other activities to give local students activities to enjoy during their break from the classroom, starting with the city’s youth baseball league in June, Adams said.

 

Also in the works are a youth summer basketball league, a girl’s kickball league and a three-by-three basketball tournament.

 

Meridian Parks and Recreation will also host its annual Touch-A-Truck event from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 10, at Highland Park. The event gives young children an opportunity to explore a fire truck, ambulance, police cruiser, backhoe and more.

 

With the completion of the new Frank Cochran Center, Highland Park has undergone several large changes within the past year, including big improvements on keeping residents safe. Adams said the park now boasts more than 30 cameras, which can be viewed by both Parks and Recreation and Meridian Police Department staff, private security and a police department substation.

 

Meridian residents should be able to feel safe in their city parks, Adams said, and significant effort has gone into making that possible in Highland Park.