Austin Parks Omits Pool Pass Costs, Lifeguard Vacancy Numbers | The Locally Times
The Austin Parks and Recreation Department announced new pool fees and lifeguard recruitment, but did not include specific pass costs or the exact number of open positions.
Austin Parks and Recreation announced new seasonal entry fees for several city pools and ongoing lifeguard recruitment efforts, but did not disclose specific pass costs or the exact number of lifeguard vacancies. Big Stacy and Colony Park pools will continue to offer free entry year-round. The Austin Parks and Recreation Aquatic Division is recruiting and training "hundreds" of lifeguards, offering a starting wage of $22.05 per hour. Training opportunities are available during spring break, and candidates must be 15 years of age or older, as detailed in the February 18, 2026, announcement. The department's public communications do not specify the cost of the seasonal passes or individual entry fees for the pools now charging. The department's announcements do not include projected revenue from the new fees or a budget breakdown for the increased lifeguard salaries. Future departmental communications may provide these missing figures, offering a clearer picture of the financial and operational changes to Austin's aquatic services.