The city of Toronto is prioritizing staff for lifeguarding this summer, as a pause in programming during the pandemic has led to a lack of qualified lifeguards.
Currently, Toronto has approximately 700 lifeguards ready to supervise all 55 of the city’s outdoor and indoor pools. The city’s outdoor pools will begin full-schedule operations when the school year ends, and the wading pools are scheduled to open.
The city is working to fast-track instructor training throughout the summer, with leadership development programs available during the weekend, as well as week-long expedited courses throughout June and July. Additional courses are planned for the remainder of the year.
Further, due to swim instructor shortages caused by certification delays, the city will cancel 169 courses affecting approximately 1140 participants registered for swimming lessons.
