The city has reduced pool operating hours due to a shortage of certified lifeguards – something that's expected to result in $100,000 to $150,000 in lost revenue.
Although there will be savings with operating costs, since pools will not be operating as frequently and there are fewer people on staff to pay, say city officials.
Swimming lessons will be reduced by 30 per cent and private swimming lessons will be reduced by 90 per cent.
The reason there is a certified lifeguard shortage is due to certification programs not being able to run as frequently because of disruptions from the pandemic.
Those who can’t enrol in aquatics programs due to a limited number of spots available can be put on waitlists.
Drop-in swimming at pools at the West End Community Centre and Victoria Road Recreation Centre have been reduced to the following days:
Pool at the West End Community Centre
• Closed all day on Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays
• Open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays
• Open Friday afternoons after 4 p.m.
Pool at Victoria Road Recreation Centre
• Closed all day on Tuesdays.
• Open on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays
• Open Thursday afternoons after 4 p.m.
For updates on hours of operation, visit the city website.
The city prioritized aquatic programs based on the amount of people accessing programs like swimming lessons and drop-in programs.
As the city is able to hire more swim instructors and lifeguards more programs will become available again.
Lifeguard staff will continue to be hired in August and September. The city will also combine training and certification programs so lifeguards can acquire their certification at a faster rate.
An example the city gave is a candidate could receive their bronze medallion and bronze cross, in one weekend, after 40 hours of training.
It takes 150 hours to become fully certified. Candidates will need to have emergency first aid training, standard first aid, CPR C, bronze medallion, and bronze cross.
