News BREC’s Liberty Lagoon Delays Opening Due to Lifeguard Shortage

BREC announced today that Liberty Lagoon Water Park will not open for Memorial Day Weekend due to a shortage of certified lifeguard staff. This announcement was delayed as long as possible in the hopes of assembling enough certified lifeguards for the holiday weekend to safely serve our valued community. As soon as appropriate staffing levels can be reached to ensure the safety of all guests, the water park will be open this summer. 

This decision was not made lightly," said Corey Wilson, BREC Superintendent. "The safety of our guests is always our top priority, and we cannot open the facility until we have a full team of trained and certified lifeguards in place." 

The lifeguard shortage is part of a broader, nationwide staffing challenge that is now impacting East Baton Rouge Parish. Many communities across the country are struggling to recruit and retain seasonal staff, particularly in aquatic safety roles. 

BREC is actively recruiting new lifeguards and offering certification courses to help fill these vital positions. Interested applicants are encouraged to visit https://www.libertylagoon.com/jobs/ for more information on job openings. 

"We appreciate the public’s understanding and patience," Wilson added. "We’re working diligently to ensure Liberty Lagoon Water Park opens as soon—and as safely—as possible." 

Updates on the park’s opening, programming, and employment will be posted on Liberty Lagoon’s social media sites and website. 

BREC offers a variety of other ways to stay cool this summer, including splash pads, which are open to the public at no cost. For a complete list of locations and operating hours, please visit brec.org/aquatics.