Bureau of Labor Statistics: Unemployment rate for 16-19 year olds is lowest in decades

Teens are now taking summer jobs, and newly released numbers show this age group now has the lowest unemployment rate since December 1957.

"I'm currently a lifeguard, I sometimes do privates group lessons at times,” said Selene Lopez, a lifeguard at Rye YMCA.

The 19 year-old college student studying law is using her summer break to earn cash by working at the place she grew up swimming.

"I worked a little in high school here and went off to college. and its nice to come back to a job where you kind of know everyone," Lopez said.

Selene is part of Generation Z, which has gotten reputation for being lazy and entitled, but it’s a reputation that data doesn't backup.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for teens ages 16-19 in May is 10.4% the lowest in decades.

Teens are helping fill in staff shortages nationwide.

"What we have been encountering is a huge shortage of aquatic staff,” said Vickie Tsakmakis, senior director of aquatics & safety, at Rye YMCA. "We have a lot of opportunities for youth and teens to be employed by us."

Tsakmakis said teen staff is vital to providing programs at the Y in fact this age group makes up nearly 18% of staff.

Economists believe high paying jobs are drawing teens into the workforce.

For example. a job as a lifeguard at the Y starts at roughly $16 an hour.

"Which I think is super competitive,” said Tsakmakis.

Rye YMCA is still searching for more lifeguards and swim instructors.

You must be at least 15 years old, a strong swimmer and undergo Red Cross lifeguard training.

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