The city of Concord is trying to hire 10 more certified lifeguards by June 9 to open all six city pools by the start of the summer.

Last year, the department employed 55 summer staff to work the city’s pools and one splash pad. Before this year’s season begins, the new lifeguards will need to be placed on the payroll and undergo 30 hours of in-service training — without them, some pools may not open, according to the Department of Parks and Recreation.

“We’re keeping our fingers crossed that we’ll have certified applicants come in and apply, and then if we can open all six, that’s our desire,” said David Gill, Concord’s director of Parks and Recreation.

The department is currently hiring individuals who are sixteen and older and who can work at least four full shifts a week during the swimming season. City lifeguards earn between $16.50 and $18.55 per hour and work up to 40 hours a week.

The department continues to offer its certification reimbursement program to certified lifeguards who work four or more days a week until the end of the season.

The department will announce the opening of the splash pad on June 4. It will announce which pools will open and when they will open on June 10.

Concord isn’t alone in its search. The American Lifeguard Association has reported a nationwide shortage of trained lifeguards, affecting approximately one-third of public swimming areas in the country.

Yaa Bame can be reached at ybame@cmonitor.com