The YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce is receiving a grant to support lifeguard and instructor training.
Director of Human Resources and Health, Fitness and Aquatics Carrie Saunders-Willis says, the grant from Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities will help meet the increasing demand for lifeguards as there is currently a global shortage as a result of Covid.
“Last year and the year before, many pools weren’t open primarily because there was a lifeguard shortage. So we are super excited that we have this grant opportunity in order to train new lifeguards that perhaps were considering a career but may be are not able to access the certification program because they are quite costly. So we are really excited to be able to offer that to youth in the area that may be considering lifeguarding as a job either for the summer or as a career,” says Saunders-Willis.
She says the YMCA has taken measures to help incentivise people to become lifeguards, like increasing wages. While they are expecting to see the return of some lifeguards this season, they are currently short 10.
“When we initially reopened from Covid, we had 10 good lifeguards and we usually have opportunities for about 45. There was quite a gap and we managed to narrow that but we are still continuously looking to add to our compliments of our fabulous lifeguarding team,” says Saunders-Willis.
CEO of the YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce Sarah Cowley says they are thrilled to have been chosen as a recipient of this grant.
“This funding will allow us to train more lifeguards and instructors, which will enable us to provide high-quality swimming instruction to even more members of our community. We are committed to ensuring that everyone in Owen Sound and Grey Bruce has the opportunity to learn essential water safety skills and enjoy the many benefits of swimming,” says Cowley.
Training programs are continuously running and applications can be found on the YMCA website here.