With outdoor pools now open, there are fewer qualified lifeguards to go around in New Brunswick.
NB Lifesaving Society CEO Ryan Ferguson says during the COVID-19 pandemic, lifesaving training courses weren’t available.
“The pandemic didn’t create the situation but rather exaggerated or exacerbated an already underlying issue of aquatics, with a recreation staff shortage in general. We were having trouble with that beforehand, and this just made the situation worse,” Ferguson added.
With numerous courses required to become a lifeguard, closures at the aquatic centres meant public courses couldn’t be offered.
Ferguson added, “But it is not as acute in New Brunswick as it is across Canada. New Brunswick is in a better position than Ontario for example. They had much more aggressive closures during COVID-19. Aquatic and recreation facilities did close for periods of time in New Brunswick, but it was never permanent. We didn’t close for an entire year and so facilities were always allowed to train some staff and could recertify lifeguards, and make sure they were trained in first aid.”
He believes recovery to build up the number of trained staff again could take years.
“I mean, there are only so many opportunities for families to get their kids into swimming lessons. There’s only so much pool space and the facilities, and many are already operating at close to capacity. Most of the people in the Aquatics industry are aware of this backlog and they’re doing their darndest to program as many swimming lessons, first aid courses, and life-saving lifeguarding courses,” Ferguson said.
With the number of outdoor pools, particularly in the Moncton area, more staff will be needed throughout the summer.
Ferguson mentioned that they’ll just have to do what they can with what they have because there is no short time fix.
“Families shouldn’t be discouraged if they don’t get into lessons or courses right away. As long as there is demand, those who run the facilities will continue to do what they need to meet that demand.”
