General News

Town looking for lifeguards for the 2024 summer season

February 15, 2024   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

The Town of New Tecumseth is looking for lifeguards for the 2024 summer season.

Last year, the Town struggled to fill positions at the Rotary Park pool and had to change operating hours to accommodate a lack of staff.

It was a problem experienced across the country. During the pandemic, lifeguards weren’t being trained. When pools finally started to open, there was a shortage of qualified lifeguards.

To apply to be a lifeguard locally, valid certifications are required by May 26, 2024. You may receive up to $200 towards certification costs.

Leadership courses are currently being offered in Barrie, Bradford, Caledon, Collingwood, Innisfil, and Wasaga Beach to assist in obtaining the qualifications to become a lifeguard.

Last year, the province lowered the mandatory age to become a lifeguard, assistant lifeguard or aquatic instructor from 16 to 15.

There are several steps in the progression to becoming a lifeguard or swim instructor.

These include:

• Level 1: Bronze Star – Must be 12 years old or complete Star Patrol
• Level 2: Bronze Medallion – Must be 13 years old or completed Bronze Star
• Level 3: Bronze Cross and Emergency First Aid & CPR B – Must have completed Bronze Medallion
• Level 4: Standard First Aid & CPR C – Recommended age 14 years
• Level 5: Assistant Swim Instructor – Must be 14 years old and have completed Bronze Cross.
• Level 6: Lifesaving Swim and Lifesaving Instructor – Must be 15 years old and have completed Bronze Cross
• Level 7: National Lifeguard Program – Must be 15 years old and have completed Bronze Cross

Summer employment opportunities at the Alliston Rotary Pool will be posted online on the Town’s website.

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