The town of Vulcan, Alta., is preparing for the swimming season by starting an incentive program for lifeguards.
Starting this pool season, lifeguards who work a certain number of hours at the Vulcan Lions Community Pool (VLCP) through the lifeguarding program can receive a monetary bonus.
A senior lifeguard can earn an extra $250 for working between 200 and 279 hours during the season, or $400 for working 280 or more hours. A junior lifeguard can earn an extra $150 for working between 200 and 279 hours during the season, or $350 for working 280 or more hours. The pool supervisor earns $500 for working until the end of the season.
The cost of this incentive is $3900, and on Feb. 14 council approved adding this amount to the 2022 operational budget.
“By offering an incentive program to qualified lifeguards to work at our pool, we hope to attract more lifeguards to lessen the strain on staff, and to accommodate the optimum hours of operations,” wrote Bonnie Ellis, the Town of Vulcan’s community services manager, in a report.
Another way the town is hoping to attract staff is through wages. Ellis compared Vulcan’s wages to other comparable seasonal outdoor pools in southern Alberta towns.
In 2022, the Town of Vulcan is offering a wage of $22.50 per hour for a head lifeguard/supervisor, $19 per hour for a senior lifeguard, $17.75 per hour for a junior lifeguard, and $15 per hour for a front desk worker or cashier.
The Town of Vulcan is currently advertising for positions at the VLCP.
