CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. — As lifeguard shortages continue to ripple across the United States, many community pools have been forced to reduce hours or close their doors entirely. But one Richmond-based initiative is diving into a solution: training more lifeguards and those who teach them.
Swim RVA, a regional aquatic organization, is expanding access to lifeguard certification with a bold goal of certifying 1,000 lifeguards and instructors annually. This isn’t just about seasonal jobs — it’s about safeguarding access to community swimming spaces year-round.
Training the Trainers: A Scalable Solution
“In order to create lifeguards, we need lifeguard instructors,” said Adam Kennedy, Executive Director of Swim RVA. “At Swim RVA, we’re really focused on training the trainer. Can we put more people out in the field that are running their own training courses at their own organization, so that every organization has the ability to create the lifeguards they need to stay open and serve the community?”
This model reflects a scalable, community-based approach. By certifying instructors, Swim RVA enables other organizations—public, private, and nonprofit—to maintain operational pools, camps, and aquatic centers that otherwise face closure due to staffing shortages.
Breaking Stereotypes: Lifeguarding is For Everyone
Lifeguarding has long been seen as a summer job for teens, but Swim RVA is proving it can be a fulfilling role at any stage of life.
Maia Weaver recertified as a lifeguard at the age of 55. Today, at 65, she serves as the Senior Aquatics Coordinator for Life Safety at Swim RVA.
“I can do anything that any of these kids can do,” Weaver said with confidence. She emphasizes that anyone who is active, driven to learn, and eager to make a positive impact can be a lifeguard.
“The impact that a lifeguard can have on someone—just being friendly, just being welcoming—is what keeps people engaged and keeps people coming back to the water.”
More Than Just a Job: Lifeguarding as a Career Path
Kennedy points out that lifeguarding can be the gateway to a lifelong career in aquatics — spanning swim instruction, aquatic program management, facility safety, and more. By investing in training now, communities are not just filling vacancies, they’re cultivating a new generation of aquatic leaders.
Swim RVA’s approach also emphasizes diversity and accessibility. Their outreach includes working with older adults, underrepresented groups, and even those transitioning careers — showing that the lifeguard chair welcomes all.
Looking Ahead: The Community Ripple Effect
This innovative model has the potential to reshape how communities think about public safety and recreation. With trained lifeguards in place, pools can stay open, children can learn to swim, and families can enjoy summer safely. The ripple effect extends far beyond the pool deck.
As Weaver and Kennedy both affirm: keeping lifeguard pipelines open is essential not just for today’s swimmers, but for tomorrow’s aquatic professionals.
Credit: This article was inspired by original reporting from Mariah Jallad, WRIC News.
Original source: wric.com
About the Author
Avani James is a passionate writer and community advocate who covers local stories that impact everyday lives. With a focus on public safety, health, and workforce development, Avani james aims to highlight stories that often go unnoticed but make a real difference.