2023 Summer Pool and Splash Pad Schedule
Due to a lifeguard shortage, Bismarck Parks and Recreation District (BPRD) will only open one outdoor pool this summer. Despite significant recruitment efforts, BPRD needs 40 more lifeguards to fully staff and safely open all pools.
“Unfortunately, workforce challenges are impacting our ability to provide safe outdoor pools this season,” says Kevin Klipfel, BPRD executive director. “The national lifeguard shortage has really hit home this year, despite all our efforts.”
Hillside Aquatic Complex will open Monday, June 5. Pool hours are 12-4 p.m. and 4:30-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday, along with a lap swim session from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. From Friday through Sunday, the pool will be open from 12-7 p.m.
The pools at Elks Aquatic Center and Paul H. Wachter Aquatic Complex will be closed for the summer. However, BPRD will open the splash pad at Elks Aquatic Center for free starting Monday, June 5. Hours are 12-7 p.m. daily.
The indoor pools at BSC Aquatic & Wellness Center will remain open for regular summer hours. The free splash pad at New Generations Park will open Saturday, May 27, for daily hours of 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
No outdoor swim lessons will be offered this season, although additional indoor swim lesson classes will be added based on staff availability. Indoor Session 1 swim lesson registration opens May 31 at 10 a.m., while Session 2 registration opens July 5 at 10 a.m. Registration is available online or in person at the BPRD office, 400 E. Front Ave., or the BSC Aquatic & Wellness Center, 1601 Canary Ave.
BPRD has immediate part-time openings for lifeguards and swim instructors. Lifeguards must be age 15 or older, while water safety instructors must be at least 16 years old. As a bonus this year, newly trained lifeguards that join the BPRD team are eligible for reimbursement of the class fee of $250.
Lifeguard classes are being offered May 30-June 1, June 2-4 and June 5-7.
Application materials for these positions are available at online. Anyone interested in training opportunities to become a lifeguard or water safety instructor is invited to call the BSC Aquatic & Wellness Center at 751-4266 for more information.