How to Fix Ottawa’s Lifeguard Shortage — Pay Properly
By Larry Wasslen, Ottawa Citizen
The City of Ottawa has an obligation to ensure that we all have regular access to the enriching experiences of aquatics programming and facilities.
As an aquatics enthusiast, I was disappointed to witness major contractions to aquatics programming at Ottawa’s public facilities this past summer. I found myself frustrated trying to beat the sweltering heat with pools open to the public for significantly fewer hours than we enjoyed in previous seasons. Swims started later, ended earlier, and many of the wading pools were unable to offer consistent hours or to even serve their communities every day of the week.
I now see signs posted at City of Ottawa pools warning the clientele that scheduled programming may change last-minute because of the staff shortage. This may entail cancellations to swimming lessons and aquafit classes. Parents now scramble just to get their kids on waitlists for any openings in this season’s lessons, and those who attend aquafit for health and exercise see their programs axed for want of instructors.
Simply put, there are not enough lifeguards and associated recreation staff available to consistently fulfil programming at public aquatics facilities. Which is a shame, because our public pools are a valuable asset to our families and communities. These are where children learn to swim, attend camps and hang out. The water offers tremendous health benefits for everybody, from those swimming to stay in shape to those recovering from injury or managing chronic conditions.
Toronto answered its lifeguard shortage by hiking the hourly wage for aquatics staff from $17.80 to $21.19.
Read full story: https://ottawacitizen.com/opinion/wasslen-how-to-fix-ottawas-lifeguard-shortage-pay-properly
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