Even if Carbon County approves a new bus route to bring residents to Mauch Chunk Lake Park, the beach may not be open if the county doesn’t get more lifeguards.

On Thursday, the board of commissioners said that right now, they only have one prospective candidate for a lifeguard position and have nearly a dozen openings for the position. The swimming area can’t open on any day there is not a sufficient amount of lifeguards on duty.

Commissioner Rocky Ahner said that this has been a problem in recent years, adding that if the county would need to close the beach and swimming area, it could lose approximately $3,000-$5,000 a day in entry fees, which is what keeps the park operating.

“We need lifeguards,” Ahner said. “That’s essential to us.”

The current hourly rate for a lifeguard is $13.65. Candidates must have their lifeguard training certification, as well as certifications in first aid, CPR and AED.

For more information or to apply, visit www.carboncountypa.gov/services/employment_opportunities.