Dunkin' honors Youngstown lifeguards, camp counselors at Northside Pool

City of Youngstown lifeguards had a sweet treat from Dunkin' Wednesday morning.

Dunkin' Northeast Ohio celebrated 16 Youngstown lifeguards and camp counselors at the North Side Pool with free reusable water bottles, donuts and gift cards.

This was the first year that Dunkin' celebrated National Parks and Recreation Month in Youngstown.

2022 is the first year in three decades that lifeguards enough lifeguards have been available to open all Youngstown pools. A partnership between the Youngstown Lifeguard Academy and the Youngstown Parks and Recreation Department made that possible.

Camp counselors and lifeguards told 21 News that building a connection with the kids in the community has been rewarding.

"All the time growing up and going through sports, all the people that gave back to me, getting old enough to give back to the kids feels good," Donnie Ellis, a camp counselor said. "It helps you grow a relationship with the kids. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, you don't know how much this means to the kids."

Youngstown Parks and Recreation Department Director Dawn Turnage said lifeguards and camp counselors keep the children safe and give them an adult to look up to.

"They work hand in hand to provide a great experience to the kids in the community. We go beyond the pool, we teach counselors how to build relationships with the kids," Turnage said.