Lifeguard shortage may force half of public pools in U.S. to close or limit hours

As children make a splash in Los Angeles, Chicago opens its pools, and thousands flock to Florida's beaches, it's clear that Americans just want to be in the water as summer gets underway. 

However, a shortage of lifeguards is threatening all kinds of summer fun. 

This isn't the first year there has been more demand than supply for lifeguards, but across the country, states and municipalities are facing their worst shortages on record. In New York City, even a 9% pay increase and sign-on bonus hasn't convinced people to take the job, leaving the city with just a third of the lifeguards it needs.