We’re only a couple of months away from swimming pools and lakes opening for the season. But for cities across upstate, a shortage of lifeguards continues to be a challenge.

It’s been an unfortunate but familiar sign across many city and county parks: Lifeguard shortages are forcing pools to be closed — some for the entire summer.

The cities of Binghamton and Rochester were each forced to keep two of their city pools closed for most of last year, while Buffalo was forced to close three.

“We have a lot of lakes and pools that could offer great swimming for people in the summertime. And it's just important that we have trained lifeguards at each of these facilities so we can be open," said Patty Scotto, aquatics manager at the Guthrie Lourdes Health & Fitness Center.

What You Need To Know

  • The cities of Binghamton and Rochester were each forced to keep two of their city pools closed for most of last year, while Buffalo was forced to close three

  • Governor Kathy Hochul lowered the minimum age for lifeguards at municipal and state swimming areas to 15

  • A number of upstate cities have been waiving fees in order to encourage more applicants within their municipalities

As the need only grows, Scotto has been offering monthly lifeguard trainings and certification programs. A number of upstate cities have also been waiving fees in order to encourage more applicants within their municipalities.

"Being a lifeguard can be really rewarding, and you can make a difference in a lot of people's lives. You give people a chance to have a safe place to go swimming," said Scotto.

But a change in state law could provide a big employment boost this year.

At the end of last summer, Governor Kathy Hochul lowered the minimum age for lifeguards at municipal and state swimming areas to 15.

“I hope it gets kids started. We've got a lot of kids on swim teams in the area, some great swimmers, and they can get started at the age of 15 instead of waiting till they're 16 to get a job. I know a lot of kids are eager to get summer jobs," said Scotto.

Scotto, who’s been lifeguarding since the age of 16, is encouraged by the change, and hopes to play even a small role helping more pools open this summer.

"That's great to see somebody that I taught in swim lessons years ago now becoming a lifeguard and seeing them excel in the sport of swimming. It's just a great sport that you can do until you're really old," said Scotto.

Along with cities and counties, YMCAs and the American Red Cross across the state will be offering lifeguard certification in the coming weeks.