Government

Southold Town may have to cancel swimming lessons again

For the second consecutive season, Southold Town’s recreation department is having difficulty finding a qualified swimming instructor to give lessons at town beaches.

As a result, recreation supervisor Ken Reeves said this week that the instruction will likely not be offered again. 

“We’ve taken out advertisements and we’ve inquired to see if our lifeguards want to take the course and, so far, nothing,” Mr. Reeves said Monday.

Last year was the first time since Mr. Reeves joined the town recreation department in 1987 that lessons were not given.

He said the time and cost of the course — which he estimated at about 30 hours long for as much as $400 — is a major reason the town is having trouble finding someone with qualifications to take the job.

In a last-ditch effort to secure an instructor for this summer, the recreation department made one final plea in an emailed newsletter this week. Mr. Reeves said it’s not too late to consider an abbreviated schedule if a candidate is hired soon.

“We’re still looking,” Mr. Reeves said. “We’re hoping someone pops out of the woodwork.”

Qualified candidates should call  631-765-5182 if interested in the post.