Fort Frances short lifeguards at Memorial Sports Centre pool
Fort Frances is finding it tough to recruit new lifeguards.
As the Memorial Sports Centre prepares for fall and winter programming, it finds itself shorthanded.
Community Services Manager Craig Miller says some were university students who have returned to school.
Another who worked during the daytime is dealing with personal medical issues, leaving with only one available.
Miller says it has forced them to review their options.
“We are evaluating programming right now. We’re putting together a plan for swimming lessons for October and November,” says Miller.
He says they may have some relief next year, with some high school students who are qualified being in a position to work some mornings at the pool.
Miller says he has also reached out to former lifeguards who are close to retirement and may be interested in some part-time work.
“We have one lifeguard who’s actively training right now, and I’ve sent out a couple of other notes so that they can contact the Life Saving Society to get their credentials in line so that we can start planning a recertification course for them,” says Miller.
The town is using several methods to recruit new lifeguards, but the results have not been all that successful.
A Facebook advertising campaign attracted interest from two people who lacked the necessary qualifications.
A recruitment platform identified seven qualified individuals living elsewhere in northwestern Ontario. Four responded but expressed no desire to move to Fort Frances.
Another started the interview process but later withdrew for the same reason.
In a report to council, Human Resources Manager Mia Sexton says consideration may be given in the future to establishing a lifeguard certification course.
She states this could help increase the number of qualified lifeguards available locally, support the recertification and allow those currently holding Red Cross aquatic certifications to obtain the qualifications needed to work at the Sports Centre pool.
