feature
Retaining aquatics staff during the skills shortage By Veda Dante
N
The industry is working to get back on its feet through the introduction of new staff to the industry post pandemic 58
SPLASH!
February/March 2022
ational demand for pool lifeguards and swimming instructors is on the rise, with aquatic centres saying covid-related shutdowns are risking the long-term safety of our children and the training of future Olympians. Australian lifeguards are highly respected for their level of skill and knowledge in accident prevention and rescue response. However, an acute shortage of the iconic red and yellow uniforms – not to mention swimming teachers – is slowing down the aquatic industry’s efforts to rebuild following the worst of the covid-19 pandemic. An escalating lifeguard shortage has forced many councils to consider reducing operational hours or closing pools altogether. For Belgravia Leisure, which manages Victoria’s Indigo Shire Council’s five swimming pools (among many others across the country), it has been forced to introduce a rostering system for each of the local pools. While the move will see some pools close on a rostered basis to meet demand at others, the company says it