To help communities address staffing shortages and ensure pools and recreational camp waterfronts remain safe, the Ontario government has lowered the minimum age requirement from 16 to 15 years for lifeguards, assistant lifeguards, and aquatic instructors.
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According to the city of Surrey, British Columbia, the demand for swimming lessons is expected to rise by 270 per cent this year, a situation compounded by a countrywide lack of swim safety professionals. The city has combined lifeguard and swim instructor roles in one position to address this situation.
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Inuvik’s public swimming pool in Midnight Sun Complex in Northwest Territories is expected to reopen around Mar. 18, after being closed for three years due to the pandemic and complications with renovation work.
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The YMCA of Hamilton/Burlington/Brantford will address the scarcity of skilled lifeguards by training a maximum of 200 new lifeguards this year. The organization aims to add more swimming lessons and pool activities in the coming months as well.
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After a nearly half-year-long closure for repairs, Vancouver’s Kitsilano Pool will reopen this coming long weekend with capacity limits, due to staffing shortages.
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The town of Vulcan, Alta., is preparing for the swimming season by starting an incentive program for lifeguards.
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