Mahoning County Commissioners are using some American Rescue Plan funds to train people for water safety.

The commissioners approved $50,000 in ARP funds for the Youngstown Lifeguard Academy during Thursday's meeting.

The Youngstown Lifeguard Academy has been recruiting young kids for summer jobs since 2019 to help the nationwide lifeguard shortage.

The program has seen growing success over the years resulting in a fully staffed pool in 2021 on Youngstown’s Northside.

The academy accepts any kids ages 15 to 24 years old in Youngstown and the surrounding communities.