Due to a shortage in lifeguards, the city of Tucson will open about half of its public pools this summer. According to the city, they are about 40 lifeguards short. However, more pools could open over the course of the summer season.

Billy Sassi is the Aquatics manager for the city of Tucson.

“We’re hoping that as we get more people, we can get the pools that we need to get properly staffed," Sassi said. "And then, with the extra staff we have, start opening another pool or two.” 

He says the city raised the minimum wage from $12.15 to $15.00 an hour and offered to pay for certification classes.

"We used to have a staff of over 300 individuals, and that's unheard of now, unfortunately," Sassi said. 

Phoenix is facing a similar lifeguard shortage.