Royal Life Saving highlights swim teacher and lifeguard shortages present opportunities for job seekers this summer

Royal Life Saving Society - Australia's National Manager Training and Workforce Development, Shaun Jackson has advised that 1300 public pools across Australia have commenced looking for swim teachers and lifeguards to keep people safe this summer.

With predications for a scorching summer this year, community pools are looking to have a summer workforce that maintains safety standards.

Among those the aquatic industry is looking to attract are students on university holidays; carers looking for flexible employment that works around other responsibilities; or retirees keen to keep active with some work.

Jackson notes “our recent National Aquatic Industry Workforce Report showed how much people in the industry love their work and enjoy helping people in their community.

“There are lots of reasons people may not be able to work full-time hours: caring responsibilities, study commitments, and health conditions are common reasons people may not be able to, or want to, work a traditional nine to five job.

“The aquatic industry is unique in that it offers genuine flexibility, it pays well, and your qualifications are recognised wherever you are in Australia.

“Whether it’s a capital city or a remote location every pool needs swim teachers and lifeguards.

“We know the long, hot summer ahead will make community pools even more important, especially in less affluent parts of Australia where the opportunity to cool off in the pool will particularly help vulnerable members of the community.”

Royal Life Saving analysis shows more than 600 jobs as lifeguards, pool operators and swim teachers are currently available – and that number is growing by 250 every week, even before seasonal pools start gearing up for opening.

To become a qualified swim teacher or lifeguard is a short, relatively inexpensive course which is nationally recognised. There are a range of federal and state-based support programs to help cover the cost.

Both swim teachers and lifeguards regularly have to call on a range of high value skills such as communication, risk management, decision-making, teamwork, customer service and performing under pressure, all of which are transferable to other industry sectors.

To help prepare Australia's lifeguard workforce for potentially the busiest summer in a decade, Royal Life Saving is rolling out significant updates to the Royal Life Saving National Pool Lifeguard Award - the industry standard in pool lifeguard training for the past 35 years.  The course will focus on the latest innovations in preparation, planning, supervision, scanning, aquatic rescue and after care.

Depending on your situation, access more information on working in the aquatic industry or complete a training course with the recognised leaders in aquatics training.