City Cast Chicago logo
Display Ad: Enjoy Illinois, Meet in the middle
July 5, 2022

Public Pools Can Be Safe Havens...If They're Open

City Cast Chicago

Public Pools Can Be Safe Havens...If They're Open

00:00:00
View all City Cast Chicago episodes

While Chicago’s beaches opened Memorial Day weekend, many of the city’s 49 outdoor pools and 28 indoor pools remain closed. Today, 37 of the Chicago Park District pools are scheduled to open. One of the reasons behind the delay is a lifeguard shortage. The parks says there are 384 vacant lifeguard positions out of 821 budgeted for 2022. Host Jacoby Cochran spoke with City Cast friend and Chicago historian Shermann “Dilla Thomas about his experience as a lifeguard growing up in Auburn Gresham and the importance of pools during these hot summer months. 


See what pools will be open July 5 and where they're located in the city.


Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago

Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

Call or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Hey Chicago

Stay connected to City Cast Chicago and get ready to join the local conversation.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.

Latest Episodes

See all
June 22

City Will Buy Greyhound Terminal, Chicago's 'Friendship Recession,' and We Want 4 a.m. Tacos!

Last week, the City Council voted to purchase the downtown Greyhound bus terminal. We discuss the details and what’s next for the critica...

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art
June 18

So Everyone's Running For Mayor. Plus, How To Do Pride Fest!

We’ve got more mayoral candidates ahead of February’s primary after former Ald. George Cardenas (12th) officially launched his campaign....

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art
June 17

Is Chicago Really Over Ye? Plus, Best Summer Museum Exhibits

A week before the Bears season kicks off, Soldier Field will be home to one of Chicago’s most controversial sons, Kanye West. The Bully t...

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art
June 16

Summer Storms Rock Chicago. Plus, Obama Center Neighborhood Guide

Across Chicago, neighbors are still navigating uprooted trees, power outages, and flooding following intense storms last week. Unfortunat...

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art
June 15

Banning Cellphones in School. And Why Isn't Chicago Hosting World Cup?

After years of trying, Illinois lawmakers have officially banned cellphones and other devices in classrooms. Gov. JB Pritzker, a vocal su...

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art
June 12

Should Chicago Open Public Pharmacies? Plus, CPS Defends Transgender Policies

Walgreens has shuttered two more South Side locations, including the Chatham location, after closing five in 2025. Ald. William Hall (6th...

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art
June 11

Are Chicago Bike Lanes Actually Safe? Plus, Ann Sather Closure and Playing Hooky

Ann Sather’s last day on Belmont is June 28. City Cast Chicago contributor Adora Namigadde explains why the closure feels so significant....

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art
June 10

Public Pools Open Next Week. Plus, Chicago’s New Women’s Sports Bar

Most of the city’s 77 public pools, 200 water features, and Chicago’s only inland beach are all opening next Friday. Plus, we’ve got more...

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art
June 9

Red Line Weekend Detour and Ultimate Summer Guide

Red Line trains will be rerouted to elevated tracks for the third straight weekend due to maintenance work in the Loop subway. Executive...

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art
June 8

Who's Running For Mayor? Plus, Bears Pick Hammond?!

Chicago’s mayoral election is nine months away. Last week, Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza became the first major candidate to make t...

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art