Royal Life Saving highlights ‘tens of thousands’ of job vacancies for lifeguards and swim teachers

With pools preparing for the summer influx of swimmers, post-lockdown shortages of qualified lifeguards and swimming teachers risks slowing down the industry’s efforts to rebuild after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Advising that many pools are struggling to find qualified staff to deliver water safety and swimming skills, as well as lifeguard services, Royal Life Saving Society - Australia Chief Executive, Justin Scarr explained “this is a significant issue for an industry which really struggled to survive ongoing and sustained lockdowns.

“The good news is that for people who are currently unemployed, or looking at a change in career, there are jobs available right now across Australia.

“For people who love outdoor work, and working with people, the aquatic industry is a great place to launch your career. The only pre-requisite is to be able to swim.”

"The aquatic industry is terrific for people who need some flexibility - parents returning to the workforce, or people looking for hours that fit around their caring responsibilities.”

A review of job advertisements on Seek this week found 990 job vacancies across Australia for paid pool lifeguards and 805 advertisements for swim teachers, with the shortages being felt in particular in NSW and Victoria.

A Royal Life Saving analysis of job ads from the Seek jobs website across the country has found:

*Totals may include ads that are unattributed to a State/ Territory. It is also understood the average ad is looking for multiple roles somewhere around 10-15 staff.

RJ Houston, Royal Life Saving’s National Manager - Aquatics said most of the job ads are seeking more than a dozen individuals, commenting “we believe there are currently 10 of thousands of available jobs for swim teachers, lifeguards and other aquatic industry staff such as receptionists.”

Pointing to Royal Life Saving’s recent aquatic industry survey, Houston highlighted that lifeguards and swim teachers reported that the most rewarding and enjoyable elements of the role were working as part of a team and helping people.

Houston added “the lifeguard and swimming teacher roles are special roles within communities, which epitomise the Australian value of looking out for one another.

“The sector also provides accelerated career growth into senior roles which provide opportunities to manage resources and people, as well as achieve a positive impact in local communities.”

“The aquatic industry values diversity and provides flexible work arrangements with many employers providing additional perks like free gym and swim memberships, making roles here attractive for people looking to get active.”

With many employers providing free or low-cost training for an entry-level role, and every role providing highly valuable and transferrable skills, now is a great time to ask your local pool about working there.

Click here to visit the careers in focus section on Royal Life Saving’s website.