Lifeguard shortage leaves Silver Beach unguarded

ST. JOSEPH, Mich. -- The nationwide labor shortage is having a major impact on lifeguarding in St. Joseph.

The Berrien County Parks Department confirmed there have been no lifeguards on duty this week at Silver Beach and also confirmed that there will be no lifeguards on duty Wednesday.

The parks department said they are giving lifeguards time off now so that they will be fully staffed for the busy Fourth of July weekend.

The county normally has 13 or 14 lifeguards to cover Silver Beach seven days a week, but this year they have only just hired their 11^th lifeguard.

The county pays $12 per hour and now will reimburse for lifeguard certification classes.

For more information, contact the Berrien County Parks Department.