I am moderating this site as a place for aquatic professionals to share ideas on recruiting, employee relations, and risk management. Please contact me if you have any questions, or if you have a topic you would like us to cover. You can reach me at josh.ploch@gmail.com
Hello. I was wondering if you would be able to provide tips on recruiting lifeguards. I work at a high school natatorium in Pennsylvania. Due to the laws affecting school district hiring, all of our staff members (full time and lifeguards) are required to submit information for background checks. These checks cost upwards of $80 and take up to two months for information to be returned.
We have been exploring ways to combat this lengthy process, but we have been repeatedly shot down by our personnel department. We are not permitted to reimburse the cost of the background clearances, and everyone, including minors (whose records it is illegal to show) must go through this process.
I’ve had people approach me for an application, and hand it back to me or tell me it isn’t worth the trouble, time, or money.
We already pay more than anyone else in our area, and we are still having difficulty attracting employees. We are on the verge of reducing the amount of programming we can offer because of a lack of staff. I would greatly appreciate any advice you can give in this situation.