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Governor Polis, CDLE and DOLA open applications for Lifeguard Training Initiative

The administration encourages local governments with public pools or public swimming beaches to apply to receive funding to cover all eligible expenses
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Stock photoPhoto by Oleksandr Pidvalnyi

NEWS RELEASE
COLORADO GOVERNOR JARED POLIS
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Today Governor Polis, the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) and the Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) ) announced that applications for the Lifeguard Training Initiative are now open, as part of the administration’s Pools Special Initiative, launched last summer. 

The Governor’s new lifeguard training initiative builds upon the Polis-Primavera administration’s Pools Special Initiative, which was a plan of action and grants to local governments to help swimming pools open and expand hours last summer, as pools faced workforce shortages and provided incentives to local governments to attract and retain public pool employees throughout last summer and ensure adequate staffing levels to allow pools to open at maximum capacity.

“We want every public pool to be open and expand operating hours this summer. We are thrilled to be able to announce the Lifeguard training initiative and to help keep pools open and safely staffed this summer,” said Governor Polis.

Gov. Polis was joined by members of the administration, local officials, state lawmakers and members of a Northglenn seniors group dubbed the “Immortals” who helped save Northglenn’s pool and provide lifeguard services to the community. 

The administration encourages local governments with public pools or public swimming beaches to apply to receive funding to cover all eligible expenses including the cost of lifeguard certification or recertification and lifeguard training certification or recertification for individuals to expand pool operating hours and days. 

In total, there is $258,000 in grant funding available with a minimum request of $1,000 and a maximum request of $20,000. The Pools Special Initiative is a partnership with the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA and Colorado Workforce Development Council housed in CDLE utilizing statewide innovation funds through the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity ACT (WIOA) and DOLA.

Application opens today, Monday, May 15 and closes on Friday, May 19 at 5 p.m. Awards will be made by May 26, 2023. The Lifeguard Training Initiative ends Sept. 30, 2023.

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