Lifeguards are scarce, and it might be affecting your local pool

Lifeguard Maggie Storti (left) keeps an eye on visitors to the North Boundary Park swimming pool and waterpark on July 9, 2020, in Cranberry Township, Pa. (Keith Srakocic/AP)

Shortages of all kinds are commonplace these days. Now, it's lifeguards who are in short supply.

The shortage is affecting about a third of public pools across the country, leading some public pools to reduce hours or close altogether, the American Lifeguard Association says. And it says the shortage could extend into next year.