A shortage of lifeguards will impact a pair of City of Delta swimming pools.
The Parks, Recreation and Culture Department has issued an advisory to the public that due to staffing shortages, capacity at the Ladner Outdoor Pool is being reduced to 60 patrons and the pool at the Ladner Leisure Centre will close at 5 p.m. on Sundays.
These are supposed to be temporary measures, according to the city.
“We have done our best to adjust schedules for the least disruption to pool hours and lesson availability and are actively working to recruit additional lifeguards to allow for the safe return to full pool capacity. Pool staffing shortages are more than a Delta or regional issue and are impacting services across the country. Thank you for your patience as we remain committed to providing safe access to all of our five pools this summer,” the department notes.
Deputy Director Trent Reid told the Optimist that no other hours of operation adjustments for the other pools are currently planned.
City staff have been adjusting and modifying work schedules to keep both swim lessons and hours of operation at the current capacities for months now, all due to the shortage of available qualified lifeguards, said Reid.
Delta is not alone in the lifeguarding situation as it is both a regional and national issue, said Reid, adding there is no question that the COVID pandemic has significantly contributed to the current situation as, throughout the pandemic, pools were closed to all users and the lessons/certifications required to become lifeguards were not available.
Delta has been promoting hiring of lifeguards through its website, social media and message board since 2021 with some success, while also pursuing other concepts to encourage those interested in lifeguarding in Delta to become certified.
