Lifeguards quit before being fired: Post-Dispatch

After 40 South published the story of the firing of lifeguards at the Maplewood Aquatic Center Thursday morning, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch ran a story later in the day, with a few more details.

Approximately six lifeguards were fired from the Maplewood Family Aquatic Center on Tuesday in one-on-one meetings at Maplewood City Hall on Tuesday, with more on Wednesday, said Aryanna Carper, one of those fired. She said it was over the lifeguard’s use of a private chat app — not during work hours.

According to the Post-Dispatch:

• On Wednesday many of the lifeguards decided to resign before being fired.
• Lifeguard Abigail Henning was one who quit before being told she was fired. She said the pool had not been fully staffed until last week. She said there were about 30 fewer guards than needed to staff the pool; about 70 are needed to keep them to a 40-hour week.
• Several guards have asked for a meeting with PARCS Director Teresa Proebsting.
• A staff meeting is scheduled Friday at Maplewood City Hall.

Richmond Heights Assistant City Manager Pam Hylton said Friday morning that the staff meeting scheduled for Friday at Maplewood City Hall has been canceled.

See also: Lifeguard firings: ‘raunchy’ jokes were the reason

Also yesterday, the city of Richmond Heights released a statement, first explaining that the pool is managed through a partnership called The Parks and Recreation Cooperative (PARC). Richmond Heights is responsible for staffing the aquatic center; Maplewood is responsible for the pool’s maintenance and management.

Also, “The safety and well-being of the patrons at the Maplewood Family Aquatic Center and The Heights is of the utmost importance. We strive everyday to provide the highest quality experience to all who visit our facilities. With that said, we assure you all will continue to be appropriately staffed to ensure the most safe and fun experience for the visiting public.”