Impact of Staffing Challenges on Recreation Facilities

In recent weeks, operating hours and services have been impacted at some Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) recreation facilities due to staffing vacancies.  These closures have mostly impacted the Gibsons and Pender Harbour pools and are due to a lack of available lifeguards.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, local governments across Canada have experienced a shortage of lifeguards as many either did not renew their certification or moved on to other careers while facility closures were in place.

In January 2022, the SCRD initiated a major lifeguard hiring campaign which resulted in attracting new lifeguards to the organization however, recent vacancies have been hard to fill and have resulted in further service impacts.

Until lifeguard vacancies are filled, these impacts will continue. The SCRD will try to provide as much notice to the community about any change to operating hours or temporary closures of recreation facilities and any associated cancellation of programming.  The SCRD appreciates the community’s patience and understanding as recruitment and training of new lifeguards continues.

If you, or anyone you know would consider a career as a lifeguard, the SCRD offers courses to become certified which can be found at www.scrd.ca/lifeguard. Current vacancies can be found at www.scrd.ca/careers.