Lifeguard Taylor Martens oversees swimmers at Echo Dale on Tuesday (Derek Brade/CHATNewsToday)

By Tiffany Goodwein

Pool capacity reductions, closure

Lifeguards in high demand as province sees shortage

Aug 11, 2021 | 10:12 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Swimming is a staple come summer, but those decked in red who are there to save you when you need it are in short supply.

That’s according to the Lifesaving Society of Alberta who says lifeguards are in high demand.

“One of the things we saw over the last 18 months in the reductions in recreation centers is that there was a reduced number of programs being offered. And of course, to become a lifeguard you need to hold a number of certifications, you need a Bronze Cross, a Bronze Medalian and then you can take your national lifeguarding certification,” said Kelly Carter, chief executive officer.

With few options to get certified, there has been a drop in the number of people getting certified.

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And many who were trained opted to leave the profession to take jobs with more stability.

“The number of lifeguards that recertified last year is about half of what we would typically see in a year, and certifications are good for two years,” Carter said.

The drop comes at a time when the province has seen an increase in the number of drowning deaths this year. They have occurred in open bodies of water that are not monitored by lifeguards.

In Medicine Hat, city pools have seen some impacts. Public swim has reduced capacity to ensure the ratio between lifeguards and swimmers is up to par.

“So in our pools, we have to make sure we do a headcount every thirty minutes to make sure we are not going over our capacity as far as the guards that we have on deck,” said Natalie Weir, manager of recreation and leisure.

While the City of Brooks usually has an adequate number of lifeguards, the city had to close its pool for one day over the weekend due to a scheduling issue.

“Our ratio of lifeguards to patrons was not there, so we decided to close,” said deputy CAO Amanda Peterson.

The Lifesaving Society says it can take over a year to become fully certified. But those willing to put in the time could end up with a job that has a lot of perks, especially for young people. Taylor Martens has been a lifeguard for five years.

“I think it is a learning experience. It helps you grow up in the right ways,” she said.

“Communicating with the public. That’s something you can use for the rest of your life. I think it is a great start to many careers like police work, paramedics, healthcare, and teaching. I want to be a teacher and this job is what pushed me to do that,” she said.

The city is actively recruiting and training lifeguards.

And for those who want to give it a try, Martens has some words of encouragement.

“Just because you are faced with a challenge doesn’t mean you can’t overcome it. I’d say keep your fitness up, get active and be confident with yourself.”