Regional pools in Tasmania that have struggled to find staff will soon have 20 more lifeguards to call on, after Hydro Tasmania funded a council training program.
Hydro has given $10,000 to the Southern Midlands Council’s ‘Guarding for Life’ program and its latest group of 20 participants will finish the course this weekend.
The council developed the program in response to a shortage of lifeguards in regional areas.
It trains locals so they can work in their own communities and help keep pools open.
Southern Midlands Council deputy general manager Andrew Benson said there seemed to be a “perennial issue” with small council pools sometimes being unable to get lifeguards.
“There were a number of pools that weren’t able to operate,” he said.
Benson recalled that the pool at Caveside, near Deloraine, could not open because it was unable to get a lifeguard.
Southcentral Workforce Network project manager Anthony McConnon, who is running the program, said Bothwell’s pool had also been closed at times because there were not enough staff.
He said that in some ways the program could “actually save lives”.
So far, 44 lifeguards have been trained, with participants placed at seven regional pools, including New Norfolk, Cressy and Campbell Town.
The course is open to people aged 16 and over and covers first aid, CPR, communication and practical water rescue.
McConnon said participants practised rescues in clothing and completed a swim test to show they had the fitness “to be able to save someone if they’re in distress”.
He said the training “opens up a door not only to be able to assist the community, but to be able to get employment as well”.
Hydro Tasmania engagement programs manager Sarah Metcalf said the funding would help keep pools open.
“Regional pools are much more than a place to swim. They are spaces for people of all ages to exercise, learn, connect and spend time together,” she said.
Jason Dowling, who is completing this weekend’s training, said there were not many outlets for kids in his town and they really enjoyed using the pool.
“There’s a great need in Australia, particularly Tasmania, for children to learn how to swim and become proficient in swimming,” he said.
