We are in the height of the expected summer heat wave. June soon will be behind us, and the Fourth of July weekend now is upon us. Yet, folks here still have not had an opportunity to take advantage of a cool dip into the only Youngstown-run public pool on the city’s North Side. Although its clear blue water is glistening and ready, sadly, the pool remains shuttered.

So far, residents and taxpayers have been waiting patiently while obstacle after obstacle has arisen to repeatedly delay the pool’s opening. Of course, last year, the COVID-19 pandemic prevented the pool from opening all season. This year, a chlorine shortage first delayed the planned June 6 opening. Then, malfunctions were discovered in the pool pumps, further postponing the opening. By the time the pool finally was prepared to open, lifeguards that the city’s Parks and Recreation Department thought they’d lined up had moved on to other jobs.

Who can blame them? Summer is ticking away. Still, other area pools and swimming holes managed to get up and running weeks ago.

We, like most residents and taxpayers, are disappointed with the ongoing problems and apparent lack of planning.

If the city intends to open the pool each year, we urge its leaders to get more serious and aggressive about its operation. In the future, plans for opening the pool, including inspecting the equipment, should start in earnest by early spring.

Hiring and training lifeguards should be approached more pro-actively, even with a year-round effort. If city leaders haven’t already considered it, perhaps partnerships with local organizations could be an option for helping to train potential lifeguards in such year-round programs.

Outreach to groups like local Scouting organizations, the American Red Cross, the downtown YMCA, the Boys and Girls Clubs, etc., can assist in readying local pool-side help with training and preparation over the winter months and in early spring.

Fostering relationships with the city school district also might help attract members of organizations like National Honor Society or other extra-curricular clubs requiring volunteer service hours.

For now, though, we urge young people or even area retirees with interest in serving their community to step up. Those interested in applying and becoming certified should call 330-742-8211. The job pays $10.45 per hour. This is a wonderful opportunity to serve the community, enjoy being outside in the summer time and gain valuable experience for resume building.

We are hopeful that qualified, certified lifeguards can be hired quickly — before another summer is lost without a chance to splash in the sun at the Northside pool.

editorial@vindy.com