62 new Yuma lifeguards

Lifeguard shortage improves in time for summer

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - A lifeguard shortage in the City of Yuma has caused reason for concern recently. However, RM Aqua Academy has been busy at work trying to get future lifeguards certified.

Pre-COVID, the academy would certify 30 to 40 lifeguards during the Yuma class schedule. This year, a total of 62 students have been certified. Yuma Golf and Country Club helped make this possible.

While this doesn't eliminate the lifeguard shortage, it helps to narrow the gap.

"We did ask them if we could extend our schedule to be able to help with the city-wide shortage. And nationally there is a lifeguard shortage as well because we weren’t able to do classes last year due to the pandemic. So they graciously accepted. They were up for the challenge. They’re always a great partner when we ask them, you know, to help out and they’re always looking out for our community," says RM Aqua Academy Aquatics Administrator Rebecca Treas.

Many of these newly certified lifeguards will be on duty at Waylon’s Water World.