Michigan Needs Lifeguards–Badly

Yep, it might be whatever-the-heck degrees below zero right now in many parts of Michigan but that doesn't matter to some groups in the state. They're already focused on summer and for a good reason. According to the Detroit News, there is a dire need for lifeguards this summer.

The Michigan Recreation and Parks Association recently held a meeting to get ready for this summer and the severe lacking of lifeguards to watch over the state's many beaches and pools is causing some major concern. One example of the low numbers is from officials in Berrien County. They say that Silver Beach needs about a dozen lifeguards to watch the Lake Michigan shore in the summer but unfortunately they have only three lifeguards returning so far and recommendations for two more.

What's causing the shortage? Well, some believe that many teenagers and college-aged students are spending their summers on career paths and have no time to be a lifeguard. Also, students who excel at a sport can now pursue it much or all of the year and not just in one season. Plus, some parents don't want their children having such a serious job that might involve dealing with an unconscious person or even death.

If being a lifeguard in Michigan sounds like something you want to do, then be sure to check out this information from the American Red Cross. 

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