BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – Taking a dip in the community pool is something that many look forward to as summer draws ever closer. But for Cocoa residents, that hasn’t been an option for over two years. 

This year, city leaders are hoping to change that. 

What You Need To Know

  • Several lifeguards are needed to reopen the community pool in Cocoa

  • The pool at the Dr. Joe Lee Smith Recreational Center has been closed for more than two years

  • Applications for the scholarship are expected to be available online within a week

The city council recently voted to approve a new scholarship plan that would allow the city to pay the full $235 it costs to train a seasonal lifeguard. As of now, there isn’t enough on hand to allow the city to safely reopen the pool at the Dr. Joe Lee Smith Recreational Center. 

If an individual signs on with the county to become a full-time employee, the county will reimburse the City of Cocoa $135. 

“We’re starting at four and potentially raising up to 10 lifeguards so that we can provide a wide gamut of services for the citizens of Cocoa,” Cocoa Mayor Mike Blake said. 

The effort is part of the city’s $2.5 million push for park improvements throughout the city. 

The pool at the recreational center has been closed the past couple of years for multiple reasons. At one point, there were issues with the pool heater. Then COVID concerns caused more closure time. 

Residents in the area said they are excited at the thought of having the pool back in action this summer. It will not only give people a way to cool off and enjoy the company of their neighbors, but it also provides fun for children during the downtime from school.

“It would mean a lot to a lot of people. In order to keep kids busy during the summer, especially during the summer, I think it would be very beneficial,” said Chris Dobbs, the owner of The Hair Biz across from the recreational center.

The city is expecting to post the applications for the lifeguard training scholarships by the end of the week.