It’s 99 days until the start of the summer season, when visitors venture out to Mauch Chunk Lake Park.

Carbon County officials want to be prepared to welcome these visitors to the lake, but are having a hard time filling lifeguard positions to properly staff the beach area.

On Thursday, Commissioner Chris Lukasevich said that Mauch Chunk Lake Park officially opens for the season on May 23 and that the goal before then is to have 10 to 12 lifeguards on staff.

Unfortunately, as of right now, there are two returnees and one likely hire in the works, meaning Carbon County is still looking for seven qualified lifeguards for the summer season.

“We continue to advertise for lifeguards and we know it’s a recurring problem, a recurring annual problem, to get young adults and adults to accept the positions out there at the lake,” he said. “Unfortunately, this year is not unlike any other.”

Lukasevich said that the parks and recreation committee will be meeting and further discussing and possibly making motions to additional incentives for lifeguard candidates. Incentives include creating a reimbursement program for lifeguards who remain at the park for at least two seasons.

The program would be to reimburse the lifeguard 50% of their training and certification fees at the end of the first season, and the remaining 50% at the end of their second season.

The board of commissioners, in January, also raised hourly wage for the lifeguard position to $11 per hour.

Carbon County manages and maintains Mauch Chunk Lake Park and has always needed lifeguards to help maintain the beach areas. Mauch Chunk Lake officially opens for business on Memorial Day weekend and runs through Labor Day.

Those interested in serving as a lifeguard at the lake can contact Carbon County’s human resources department at 570-325-8523 or visit www.carboncounty.com and click on employment opportunities for more information and to download an application.