Corp Comm Connects

Newmarket weathering 'perfect storm' of lifeguard shortages

Despite shortages in some cities, Newmarket has enough staff to support its swim programs returning to pre-pandemic levels

Newmarkettoday.ca
March 21, 2023
Joseph Quigley

Despite challenges with lifeguard shortages across the country, the Town of Newmarket says it is in good shape with staff for the swimming season to come, and its aquatics programs are back to pre-pandemic levels.

Reports of shortages arose last summer, as municipalities found difficulties filling positions as pandemic restrictions lifted. Some municipalities like Barrie are still feeling the impact of the shortage as they look ahead to the spring and summer.

But Newmarket's director of recreation and culture, Colin Service, said although the municipality has experienced challenges in hiring aquatic staff, a massive aquatic leadership program has helped.

“We were able to successfully bring our staffing levels back to normal in the area of aquatics,” Service said. “As a result of our successes, the number of lessons and public swim offerings have also returned to pre-pandemic levels.”

The Ontario Recreation Facilities Association (ORFA) described last year as a “perfect storm” for lifeguard shortages over the pandemic, predicting that it would impact the next few years. The pandemic left lifeguards without work, and many did not return to the workforce once pools reopened, ORFA said. Further, there was a gap, with no swimmers attending classes to strengthen their skills.

“Becoming a lifeguard requires commitment at many levels to obtain certification, and there is not a fast track to success,” ORFA said. “Filling this gap can only be accomplished in time.”

Barrie director of recreation Dan Bell said they minimized the impact of shortages on their programming, but they are still looking to bring on more staff, with several locations in the city needing them.

“The city is looking to hire more lifeguards to accommodate the growing community demand and interest in aquatic program opportunities,” Bell said.

Here, Service said an assistant instructor program and an active recruitment campaign in which Newmarket reached out to past lifeguards and offered free re-certifications, the town has managed to find staff.

The municipality is further offering aquatic leadership courses in the spring to help train the next group.

“The Town of Newmarket continues to be committed to developing the next generation of lifeguards and swim instructors and encourages those who are looking for a rewarding experience to sign up,” Service said.