
Why you’re seeing lots of teens at work this summer — but still so many empty lifeguard chairs
CNN
Your kid’s summer camp is likely fully staffed. The ice cream store near you probably doesn’t have a “help wanted” sign up. But your local swimming pool or nearby beach could probably use a lot more lifeguards to keep it fully open this summer.
Your kid’s summer camp is likely fully staffed. The ice cream store near you probably doesn’t have a “help wanted” sign up. But your local swimming pool or nearby beach could probably use a lot more lifeguards to keep it fully open this summer. “Teens are coming back in. They’re more engaged in the job market than their much older brothers and sisters,” said Paul Harrington, a labor economist at Rhode Island College who coauthors an annual report on the teen summer job outlook. The shift is a refreshing change after the pandemic drove many teens away from working during their summer breaks. And yet, lifeguards are in much shorter supply. The share of teenagers who are looking for work or who are currently working, also referred to as the teen labor force participation rate, has been steadily increasing. Heading into the summer, the labor force participation rate for people ages 16 to 19 was 37.4%, according to fresh data from the June jobs report released on Friday. That’s close to the highest level it’s been since 2009. Eric Brotherson, human resources manager at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, an amusement park located in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, is witnessing that firsthand. “Hiring right now is way better than it was a year ago,” he said. “We’re in a good spot.” The park aims to employ around 250 people each summer, which in recent years has been a big challenge, Brotherson said.