Most pools at state parks to open; lifeguards needed

Most public swimming pools at Indiana State Parks properties will open Memorial Day weekend if the required number of lifeguards can be recruited and certified for each park property.

Concession services will also be open at those pools.

Last year, pools were closed due to COVID-19.

Lifeguards are being recruited for a variety of state park pools including Brown County State Park pool.

The DNR welcomes back lifeguards who worked before last year’s closures and seeks to train new lifeguards, a press release said. Lifeguard training includes virtual coursework followed by a water skills assessment test.

“Lifeguarding is a great way to spend a summer and find out what working at an Indiana State Park is like,” said Brandt Baughman, deputy director for operations for state parks. He began his career as a lifeguard at Spring Mill State Park.

Lifeguard jobs are open to applicants age 16 and older. For more information, contact the state park property nearest your location.

The pools at Mounds and Harmonie state parks will not open this year. DNR is evaluating whether reopening the existing aquatic facility at each is the best option at those respective state parks or if another type of water feature for guests and the respective communities would be more efficient and appropriate.

Beaches will open for swimming on Memorial Day weekend at Chain O’Lakes, Indiana Dunes, Lincoln, Ouabache, Pokagon, Potato Creek, Summit Lake and Whitewater Memorial state parks, at Starve Hollow and Deam Lake SRAs, at Brookville, Cagles Mill (Lieber SRA), Cecil M. Harden (Raccoon SRA), Hardy, Mississinewa, Monroe, Patoka, and Salamonie lakes and at Ferdinand State Forest.

The aquatic center at Abe Martin Lodge at Brown County State Park and other park pools will continue to remain open for guests at each inn while in compliance with any COVID-19 restrictions.