BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The Sharon Dempsey (New River) and Black Knight public swimming pools will reportedly remain closed for the summer amid ongoing staffing issues.
As confirmed by City of Beckley Parks and Recreation Director Leslie Baker, the popular city attractions will not open for the 2023 summer season due to the city’s lack of success in securing a qualified candidate for the Pool Manager position.
The position, which entailed administrative duties, supervision and training/recruitment of staff – including lifeguards, deck workers, and concession workers – and other functions, also required a number of certifications including CPR, First Aid, and Red Cross Lifeguard certifications.
City officials have made attempts to attract interest to the position for several months to no avail, even taking to social media to promote the job, for which pay offered was between $14 and $18 hourly, likely contingent upon qualifications.
These issues continue the prevalent trends of the past few years which saw both the Black Knight and Sharon Dempsey (New River) pools struggling to maintain sufficient lifeguard staffing to remain active.
In the wake of these developments some Raleigh County residents have indicated interested in exploring alternate avenues for summer recreation by way of the newly advertised Black Diamond Fraternal Order of Police Pool, also known as the Policeman’s Pool.
The pool, should it secure the minimum number of memberships required for operation, will be open seven days a week from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
UPDATE: LOOTPRESS would later speak with City of Beckley Parks and Recreation Director Leslie Baker whose remarks on the situation can be seen here.