NEDERLAND — It might occasionally feel like winter these days in Southeast Texas, but summer employment got a boost in Nederland.

City Council members recently approved a new policy that reimburses life guards up to $250 for securing American Red Cross certification as long as those same lifeguards work a minimum amount of hours at the Nederland pool.

To be eligible for reimbursement, the certification must be completed within the past 12 months and the lifeguard must work at least 150 hours through the end of the pool season.

Parks and Recreation Supervisor Angela Fanette said the city had been reimbursing $200 but costs for the courses, which generally take place in March, have risen.

According to Fanette, a half-dozen lifeguards have already reached out looking to return to work this coming pool season.

Fanette said the city does hire 15-year-old lifeguards on a limited hour basis but added most are 16 or older and all have secured American Red Cross certification.

Discussion of the issue this month led Mayor Don Albanese to ask if size is a prerequisite for a lifeguard, noting it might be hard for a smaller individual to pull someone in need from out of the pool.

City Manager Christopher Duque said size is not a consideration as long as applicants have secured proper certification.

The move by Nederland City Council members was the second in two months with an eye on the summer.

In December, the Council approved the purchase and installation of a pool water slide, which will stand nearly 16 feet high and include close to two full revolutions on the way down for swimming pool thrill seekers looking to enjoy an exciting splash down.

The Nederland Swimming Pool is located at 2301 Avenue H and operates from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

The City Council is scheduled to meet again at 4:30 p.m. Monday at Nederland City Hall, 207 North 12th St.

A packed agenda includes a motion to consider action establishing hours of operation for the Nederland Swimming Pool.