CALDWELL, Idaho — Caldwell's Memorial Pool was forced to close unexpectedly on May 29, just days after its grand reopening, when officials discovered they didn't have enough certified lifeguards to operate safely.

"We had one lifeguard and one cashier, and that is not sufficient enough," said Tiffany DeFrance, City of Caldwell Parks and Recreation Director.

The industry standard for pool safety requires more staff than was available. "I think every facility is a little different, but the recommendation for lifeguards to swimmers in the pool is 1 to 35," DeFrance explained.

City officials are now working to recruit and train more lifeguards ahead of the peak summer season, helping new hires find certification courses and even covering the costs. According to DeFrance, becoming a certifie

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