APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — City of Appleton pools were forced to close early after it was learned that certain lifeguards were not fully certified.
The city says the American Red Cross notified its parks, recreation and facilities management department on Thursday that “many” of the lifeguards hired in the spring were not properly certified. The Red Cross citied “incomplete delivery of course materials” as the main issue.
As a result, the city pulled all non-certified lifeguards per Red Cross direction, resulting in a staffing shortage. The shortage led to the early closure of Mead and Erb pools Thursday.
The city says it will only operate pools with certified lifeguards, meaning there may be additional closures while the certification process takes place. As of Friday, Erb Pool is open, while Mead is closed through this weekend.
Those with questions can contact the City of Appleton Parks, Recreation and Facilities Department.
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