Lifeguard shortage results in late start for South Grampians’ outdoor pool openings

South Grampians Shire Council have advised that their outdoor swimming pool season will be pushed back due lifeguard shortages and the recent flooding events experienced across the region.

The Hamilton Outdoor Pool, which normally opens from the first weekend in November, will start a few weeks later while staff work to undertake important water clean-up and work towards finding solutions to inadequate staffing levels.

Outdoor pools in Penshurst, Glenthompson, Balmoral, Dunkeld and Coleraine will open later in December to patrons while these issues are addressed.

Manager Community and Leisure Services Susannah Milne said the impact on the outdoor pools is unfortunate but necessary to ensure facilities are safe for residents.

Milne explained “the recent rain events experienced across the region have left us with some clean-up works to make sure the water quality is up to standard for our swimmers.

“We are also working on finding solutions to our staff shortages. While the outdoor pool season will be pushed back, this will ultimately enable staff to ensure safety for patrons.”

Milne said some tough decisions were going to have to be made in relation to operating hours with heavily reduced number of lifeguards available for the season.

“We are facing significant challenges in relation to staffing shortages. A lack of trained lifeguards is something we have been struggling with over the last couple of years which we know is not isolated just to the Southern Grampians but is an issue felt across Victoria,” added Milne.

“Locally, if the numbers don’t increase and increase rapidly, the operating hours of our outer town pools will be impacted heavily due to those high staff shortages.

“We are asking community members to step up, complete the training, sign up as a lifeguard and help ensure these facilities can be enjoyed this summer.

“Lifeguards employed by the Southern Grampians are part of the Council team. With secure working conditions, guaranteed shifts, great pay rates and career progression opportunities – there are many benefits to joining Council.”