Lifeguard shortage sees weekend closure of Alice Springs Aquatic and Leisure Centre

The Alice Springs Aquatic and Leisure Centre closed without notice on Sunday afternoon as a result of shortage of lifeguarding staff.

As reported by the Centralian Advocate, would-be swimmers arriving on Sunday afternoon were disappointed to learn the facility had shut several hours early as a result of a shortfall in the number of lifeguards required to be on duty.

A spokesman for Council confirmed the closure and said the decision to shut its doors was made to avoid putting the public at risk.

The spokesman added Council is on the lookout for new more lifeguards, and encouraged anyone interested in becoming a lifeguard to contact the Alice Springs Town Council.

It comes as Alice Springs faces chronic staff shortages across its tourism and hospitality sectors, leaving some businesses struggling to make accommodations for the expected rise in visitors during the dry season.