Jeepers! Staying afloat

WILLIAM WOODWORTH william@topsouthmedia.co.nz

Blenheim’s Stadium 2000 is being forced to limit opening hours and classes as bosses struggle to fill staff gaps.

With 150 hours of currently unfilled lifeguard and swim instructor hours each week, staff are juggling to keep the pool afloat.

Stadium 2000’s General Manager Bridget Taylor is not only concerned for her and her staff’s wellbeing, but for all Kiwis – especially as the 2022 national toll of 93 drowning deaths was the highest since 2008. However, she’s trying unique solutions to find lifeguards and swim instructors who in high demand to beat the shortage; which is a national problem.

“Aquatic shortages are widespread, and staffing issues have been bubbling away for many years,” she says.

‘A lot of experienced staff have left the industry, and we’re obviously as impacted as any front facing roles.”

“To me there’s no comparison with the work, but we are heavily influenced by the employment market just like anywhere.”

Bridget estimates there have been about 300 available roles up for grabs in pools countrywide.