Commission reviews plan to run limited city open swim at Nordoff High, proposes $25 lifeguard pay and $5 entry fee

City staff presented a council-directed plan to operate a limited city-run community aquatics program at Nordoff High School this summer, proposing a lifeguard wage increase to $25 an hour and a $5 per-person entry for open and lap swim.

Christy, the staff presenter, told the commission the city will ask council to authorize a $5,000 allocation for income-qualified fee waivers, which would lower the per-person fee to $2 for qualifying residents, and that an agreement with the Ojai Unified School District has been completed. Christy said staff proposed program hours of 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays and Monday through Friday during school breaks, leaving Saturdays for YMCA-run lessons. “We decided to propose to city council to increase the hourly rate of pay to $25 per hour,” Christy said.

Commissioners pressed staff on operational details they said will determine the program’s viability: how many lifeguards will be scheduled, whether training will be provided, how scheduling will be coordinated with the school district’s calendar, and whether the city can offer passes or longer daily hours to improve recruitment and revenue.

Commissioners and the teen commissioner said shorter shifts may make the positions unattractive to teens seeking full summer work, and asked staff to include alternative options when they return to council. One commissioner noted the city historically ran swim lessons that helped offset staffing costs and suggested staff consider developing a predictable annual calendar and a certification pathway with the high school to build a local lifeguard pool.

Public commenters and a council liaison urged “demand scheduling” — staying open later when attendance merits it — and recommended offering multiple payment options including season passes and family memberships.

Christy said the city has advertised lifeguard openings, has received some applications and intends to pay for lifeguard training for hires (contingent on passing certification). She emphasized the planned launch is a trial and that staff will track participation monthly and report back to council.

No formal action by the commission was required or taken on the item; commissioners provided feedback and directed staff to return with additional scheduling options and clarifications on staffing, training and the scholarship distribution.