Lifeguard Crisis Averted: Northern Ontario Beaches & Pools Fully Staffed This Summer
NORTH BAY, ON – A collective sigh of relief is echoing across Northern Ontario as swimming pools and beaches in North Bay, Sault-Sainte-Marie, and Grand Sudbury are now fully staffed with lifeguards for the summer season. This marks a significant turnaround from recent years, where pandemic-related disruptions and a dwindling workforce threatened access to safe aquatic recreation. This is a major win for families and a testament to proactive measures taken by local municipalities. This breaking news story highlights a successful response to a critical public safety issue, and offers valuable lessons for communities nationwide facing similar challenges.
(Image credit: Canadian Press / Sean Kilpatrick – Archive Photo)
From Shortage to Solution: How Northern Ontario Turned the Tide
The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically impacted lifeguard availability. Many lifeguards found alternative employment during lockdowns, and crucial certifications lapsed due to limited training opportunities. Kendra Macisaac, Vice-President of Health and Well-being for North-East YMCA Ontario, explained, “We certainly noted [the lifeguard shortage] coming out of COVID. We couldn’t work for a long time.” This created a ripple effect, forcing some facilities, like those operated by the YMCA, to reduce hours or even close pools.
However, local governments stepped up. North Bay, for example, increased the hourly rate for lifeguards from the provincial minimum of $17.20 to $19.50 last year. This financial incentive, combined with a renewed focus on training, proved effective. All three beaches under the city’s responsibility – Shabogesic on Lake Nipissing, and The Cove and Olmsted on Lake Trout – are now fully monitored. “In recent years, only two of the three beaches have been monitored due to the generalized shortage of rescuers,” the city stated in a press release.
Investing in Training: Building a Sustainable Lifeguard Workforce
Grand Sudbury took a different, yet equally effective, approach. Jessica Watts, Leisure Manager for the city, highlighted the resumption of advanced aquatic rescue certification courses. “We have started to train our own staff to teach these more advanced levels, which allowed us to provide these advanced internal courses,” Watts explained. This internal training program ensures a consistent pipeline of qualified lifeguards.
Sault-Sainte-Marie addressed both affordability and accessibility by offering all bronze and advanced rescue lessons free of charge. This initiative aimed to attract new recruits and remove financial barriers to certification. Benjamin Ayton, the city’s aquatic supervisor, confirmed that staffing levels have returned to pre-pandemic numbers.
The Younger Lifeguard: A Provincial Policy Shift
In 2023, the Ontario provincial government lowered the minimum age to become a lifeguard from 16 to 15, a move welcomed by organizations like the North-East YMCA. While helpful in filling immediate gaps, Macisaac cautions that retaining young lifeguards remains a challenge. “This is always a problem when they stop lessons when they are not yet older enough to acquire the Bronze Patent.” To combat this, the YMCA offers junior lifeguard clubs and leadership programs to maintain interest among children aged 10-13, bridging the gap until they are eligible for full certification.
(Image credit: Radio-Canada / Evan Mitsui – Archive Photo)
The lifeguard shortage isn’t just a local issue; it’s a national trend. Factors like the demanding nature of the job, seasonal work, and competition from other summer employment opportunities contribute to the difficulty of attracting and retaining qualified personnel. Proactive measures, like those implemented in Northern Ontario, are crucial for ensuring safe and accessible aquatic environments for everyone.
This success story in Northern Ontario provides a blueprint for other communities grappling with similar challenges. By investing in training, addressing financial barriers, and engaging younger generations, municipalities can build a sustainable lifeguard workforce and safeguard access to vital recreational opportunities. Stay tuned to archyde.com for ongoing coverage of public safety issues and innovative solutions from across Canada.
