Austin lifeguards claim employees were sexually harassed, push for independent investigation
Author: Morgan McGrath, KVUE News
Published: 2:19 PM CDT March 27, 2025
Updated: 2:19 PM CDT March 27, 2025
AUSTIN, Texas — Some Austin lifeguards reported sexual harassment claims during a city council meeting on Thursday.
The speakers claimed that leaders within the city's Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) have not taken reports seriously despite several allegations throughout the years.
The lifeguards shared various claims, including an incident where a lifeguard "allegedly exposed himself and propositioned another lifeguard for oral sex at Deep Eddy Pool," which they stated was never shared with Austin police.
In another instance, the lifeguards alleged that a city human resources representative dismissed a claim stating a person in a position of power "propositioned two lifeguards for sexual favors." The representative was allegedly told the lifeguards' names but reportedly stated they could not determine their identities.
According to the lifeguards, relationships between minor lifeguards and managers were reportedly confirmed by human resources workers. However, it was allegedly stated that these relationships happened when the employees were adults.
The employees also stated that a "whistleblower" lifeguard recently received a cease and desist letter in his efforts to support the PARD Aquatics Division employees.
Now, the lifeguards are requesting that an independent law firm investigate their claims. They're also asking that anyone who reports incidents is protected and that current policies are updated for Aquatics employees.
In a letter sent to the council and Austin Mayor Kirk Watson, the PARD said it plans to review a previous investigation with the help of a third party. This comes after the previous investigation was conducted by the PARD and Austin's Human Resources Department, wherein results showed the alleged reports were "not occurring."
The city said it also plans to ask for an "outside entity" to scan the culture of the PARD Aquatics Division in an effort to identify issues that could allow for sexual harassment to "go unchallenged."
Anyone who experiences harassment can report these instances to managers, supervisors, human resources representatives and/or other higher-ups, according to the letter.
Complaints can also be sent to the Integrity Unit in the Office of the City Auditor by calling 512-975-2805 or by completing a form online.