When school lets out for the summer, children in Sistersville may be short on ways to escape the heat. Tuesday morning, City officials cited a shortage of certified lifeguards and a lack of interest in taking the certification course when asked why the City’s pool has not opened.

A total of eight lifeguards are needed to staff the pool. So far, the city has received 17 applications. Out of those applications, two lifeguards have already been certified; and four were too young. Pool Manager Amanda Placer contacted the remaining applicants, and two said they were willing to get certified.

The fee for the class is $200, however, the City must have at least six participants to have a class. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age.The city has contacted Alan Farnsworth, manager of the parks and recreation department in St. Marys, to see if anyone would be interested in traveling to Sistersville to work. They have also enlisted help from Paden City.

Aside from the lack of lifeguards, the City is also having trouble finding someone to teach the 40-hour class.

“If no one shows interest in taking that class or no certified lifeguards apply, the pool will not open this year,” remarked City Manager Vance Ash.

Interested parties should call the City Building at 304-652-6361 by noon tomorrow. “The pool has been painted and is ready to go,” Ash said. “We just need a definite yes from at least six people by tomorrow.”