Campaspe Shire Council closes pools due to lifeguard shortage

With summer temperatures set to see peak demand for aquatic facilities in the coming weeks, Campaspe Shire Council is facing having to close its swimming pools on certain days in the next week due to a lack of lifeguards.

With pools to be closed in rotation on certain days, even the flagship facility, the Echuca War Memorial Aquatic Centre, will close its pool on one day in the next week.

The Council, which has made extensive efforts to recruit pool lifeguards in recent months, had warned previously that a lack of personnel could affect pool operating hours, but has now made the decision to close some of its eight facilities on certain days.

As reported by the Shepparton News, the Council has described the situation with local government-run pools across Victoria as one seeing “a critical shortage of qualified lifeguards”.

The lifeguard shortage has resulted in the following closures :

• Stanhope Pool was closed on Christmas Eve and will again be closed Friday 31st December.

• Rushworth Pool was closed on Boxing Day and will also be shut on Saturday 1st January.

• Tongala Pool will be closed on Friday 31st December.

• Echuca War Memorial Aquatic Centre will be closed on Saturday 1st January.

The Council is continuing to advertise lifeguard positions at www.campaspe.vic.gov.au/careers

Image: Echuca War Memorial Aquatic Centre. Credit: Campaspe Shire Council.