Summer staffing is rebounding in Portland after years of shortages that were only made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic. After years of being unable to hire enough people, public pools are expected to open on time this year with enough staff as we get closer to the start of summer.

Andre Channel with Portland Parks and Recreation (PP&R) is calling 2023 a "rebound year." He's the talent engagement specialist and says over the last few years, the city has struggled to hire lifeguards and swim instructors, but this year the city is bouncing back.

“With the levy funding and with the help of our union reps and the City Council being able to increase wages, it's really helped us at least get the word out," Channel told KATU News.

Portland City Council increased the pay to $18-$21 an hour after union representatives, PP&R let City Council know there was a need for higher wages.

Portland voters also overwhelmingly approved the Parks Local Option Levy in November 2020. Because of that, in February, PP&R was able to hire a full-time dedicated engagement specialist for aquatics to specifically focus on recruitment.

“Being able to have someone that’s dedicated, that their job is basically out in the community, out working with community people, out at the high schools, out at the colleges and showing up to events and raising awareness about the opportunity has been huge," Channel said.

Recruitment staff has attended over 30 events this year, engaging with hundreds of prospective applicants.

At this time in 2022, there were roughly 200 eligible applicants for aquatics roles. Now, PP&R has over 335 eligible applicants plus 283 current staff. They say that's a significant increase after years of a national lifeguard shortage that closed public pools across the country.

So far this year, 57% of aquatics recruits are current and returning staff, according to PP&R.

“Compared to last year where we were, we’re doing great, but there’s always work to be done," Channel said.

PP&R added that recruitment for recreation summer programming has improved significantly this year as well, compared to 2020, 2021, and 2022. In mid-May 2021, PP&R had 658 total eligible applicants. In mid-May 2022, PP&R had 655 total eligible to be hired applicants. In 2023, PP&R has over 1,300 at this point in mid-May.

PP&R says the Recreation Division has also increased wages for Inclusion Assistants to $20-$23 an hour to provide accommodation support for program participants. This is the first time this wage increase has taken effect.

Portland Parks and Recreation isn't fully staffed yet. Applications are still open.