It may be too cold for a swim, but the lifeguard academy is still on duty.

The organization, which has been recruiting and training teens and young adults for summer jobs since 2019, announced new partnerships with Academy of Urban Scholars, Inspiring Minds, No Limits, ACTION, Inc., Indiana Dunes National Park, and Bees Purpose. Inc., in an effort to further establish their network of youth involvement and education.

An initiative is also underway to secure funding for a new Lifeguard Academy in Warren, at the request of Mayor Doug Franklin. 

The success of the Youngstown Lifeguard Academy has made a splash in Mahoning County, as they work to combat the lifeguard shortage impacting Ohio and improve the lives of city and suburban youth.

Ohio District 59 Representative Lauren McNally says she's worked with the Academy for months, and has recently introduced a bill to the Ohio General Assembly to establish lifeguarding as a viable career path.

"Lifeguards are the first responders and that's a lot of responsibility on a person. And it should be recognized as a true career path for somebody, and give it the same fulfillment that people look for when they're deciding what they want to do with their lives," Rep. McNally says.

If passed, the bill would be a first step towards future legislating in conjunction with House Resolution 41 in the federal government, to recognize lifeguards as first responders by law- an undertaking backed by the leadership of both Representative McNally and the Academy.