DURHAM, N.C. (WNCN) — Diving into a pool is one of the best ways to cool down amid the dangerously hot temperatures across central North Carolina.
In Durham, Hollie Ramsey and her son said the public pools are a vital resource.
"It feels hotter than usual honestly," Ramsey said. "The humidity is not a surprise. But just the heat is really hot. For North Carolina, this is hot."
That's part of the reason why Durham Parks and Recreation is looking to fill more 40 vacancies out of 100 total lifeguard positions at city pools in an effort to beat a nationwide shortage.
City officials are offering of $19.37 an hour and are willing to hire people who can work as little as a few hours a week.
Applications for at least three senior lifeguard spots at $20.62 an hour are also being accepted.
Dariana Gonzales, a teenager from Durham, said being a lifeguard is an enticing opportunity for herself.
"Last year wasn't that hot," Gonzales said. "This year is extremely hot. It's kind of annoying to me that it's really hot. "But you get to go to the pool and be with friends, so that's fun.
"You're at the pool and you're saving lives," she said. "As I think about staying cool, my mind always go to the pool. I don't know what else I would do to stay cool."
The city is still keeping both of its public outdoor pools open seven days a week at Hillside and Forest Hills. Some, including Ramsey, said they don't know how to stay cool this summer without the pools.
"[We want] more pool time, as much as we can get," Ramsey said.
Right now, both of the city's outdoor pools are open every day from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. There are also multiple indoor pools and public spraygrounds across the city for those trying to beat the heat.
“We continued to actively hire aquatics staff this season," a Durham Parks and Recreation spokesperson said. "While the nation is still facing a lifeguard shortage, we've seen a positive improvement in our hiring efforts over the years.
"We are always looking for individuals to join our team," the spokesperson continued. "This includes more lifeguard staff, water safety instructors to teach and increase our swimming lessons, and part-time seasonal leadership roles such as aquatic facility specialists, as well as year-round leadership as senior lifeguards.”
