Lifeguard Logan Randall watches the swimmers at Town Park Pool in Seven fields on Thursday, June 1, 2023. An increase in hourly pay and proactive recruitment has raised the number of lifeguards at some local pools amid a national shortage. Justin Guido/Butler Eagle

Some community pools in Butler County are fully staffed with lifeguards in the face of a national shortage.

Although the pandemic saw fewer lifeguard recruits, representatives from area pools — Alameda Waterpark in Butler Township, EDCO Pool in Evans City, Town Park Pool in Seven Fields and Cranberry Township Waterpark in Cranberry Township — said pool operations are running smoothly this year as increased hourly pay and proactive recruitment attracted enough lifeguards in time for the summer season.

The Seven Fields pool, EDCO Pool and Cranberry Township Waterpark opened their doors last week. Alameda Waterpark, which is run by the county, is set to open Saturday, June 3, and is still accepting lifeguard applications, with a few spots left, said Lance Welliver, county Parks and Recreation director.

Dave Hutner, interim Parks and Recreation director for Cranberry Township, attributed aggressive recruitment and employee benefits to the number of lifeguards on staff.

“We were very proactive in our recruitment,” he said.