Shutdown draining pool of trained lifeguards, safety advocate warns

COVID-19 restrictions are interruptingtraining and certification programs for lifeguards in Ottawa, raising the possibility that public pools,beaches and water parks will be understaffed this summer, one safety advocate warns.

Indoor pools are closed during Ontario's current lockdown, postponing the training and testing would-be lifeguards need to be certified.

According to Perry Smith, programs director for the Lifesaving Society in Ontario, that could lead to a shortage of trained personnel when those aquatic facilities reopen.

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"At some point those will be reopened and they takein some caseshundreds of lifeguards to supervise," said Perry.

"We recommend that when the stay-at-home mandate is lifted, that people continue with their training as soon as they can, so they don't get into a situation where they're not able to get the training they want going into the summer," said Perry.

Between mid-March and Boxing Day, when Ontario's28-day lockdownwent into effect, first aid training and lifeguard certification was allowed to continue, albeit with safety protocols including smaller classes, frequent cleaning of equipment and the someonline elements.

That restricted capacity, creating a backlog that's now getting worse.

According to Perry,the City of Ottawa has had lifeguard staffing problems in the past, withtoo many lifeguards gunning for choice outdoor jobs at water parks, public beaches and summer camps, and too few settling forindoor posts and teaching swimming lessons, according to Perry.

You don't want your beachfronts or your swimming poolswith not enough staff available to provide the services.- Perry Smith, Lifesaving Society

In order to attract more young people to the field, the Lifesaving Society recently reduced theage requirement to start training, Perry said.

"So they can get their training when they're 15, and then when they turn 16, then they can be employed as a full lifeguard."

He's encouraging would-be lifeguards to get as much of their training done online as possible, "so when the pools are open, then they can continue their training and complete it."

Perry is alsourging municipalities including Ottawa to do whatever it takes to have pools and programs ready to go.

"You don't want your beachfronts or your swimming poolswith not enough staff available to provide the services," he said.

But the City of Ottawa doesn't appear concernedthatthe stalled lifeguard training and certification process will lead to shortages months from now.

"The city does not foresee any issues with staffing lifeguards for the upcoming summer, and will proceed with the hiring process as per usual," said Dan Brisebois, director of citywide programs, aquaticsand specialized services.

In a statement, Brisebois saidthe city will continue to monitor the effect of COVID-19 on municipal pools and other city-run amenities.