DESPITE taking a dive in lifeguard numbers than they usually would, both the Cohuna and Kerang pools have managed to stay open during the 2021/22 season.
Many obstacles have faced the lifeguards over the past few months, as they not only had to battle with fewer staff numbers than in previous years, but have also had to manage those who have needed to isolate due to COVID-19 regulations.
Opening times have been constantly changing during the past few weeks due to the staff shortage.
The difficulties faced by Gannawarra Shire Council are the same that have been faced by regional pools across Victoria.
Acting chief executive officer Geoff Rollinson highlighted the challenges that they have been dealing with.
“Like many regional Victorian municipalities, Gannawarra Shire Council has been affected by the shortage of qualified lifeguards for the 2021/22 swim season,” he said.
“Despite the lifeguard shortage, council was able to ensure required lifeguard ratios were met and that both the Kerang and Cohuna facilities remained open during the Christmas/New Year period, with reduced operating hours in place on days that lifeguard shortages occurred.
Last Friday council advised opening time changes that would be in effect from January 24 until March 13, with more certain opening hours allowing the public to make more informed plans on their trips to the pools.
During the course of the staff shortages, council has been actively trying to recruit more lifeguards, in order to try and address the staffing difficulties they have been facing due to the increasing impact COVID has had on all businesses.
Georgia Ferguson, Elly Spencer and Bronte Grundy are three lifeguards who work in the Gannawarra Shire and spoke positively of the position, and all the benefits it had to be a local lifeguard.
“The best part about the job is seeing the community enjoy themselves whilst at the pool, it is a straightforward job but you need to be highly focused, it also looks good on a resume,” Georgia said.
Georgia and Elly are both in their second season in the Gannawarra Shire, with Elly echoing remarks made by Georgia in terms of the enjoyment you get out of being a lifeguard at a local pool.
“It is a really chilled job, I love my co-workers and seeing people having fun hanging out with their family and friends, it is quite a demanding job but once you get used to it, it is really fun,” she said.
This year is Bronte’s first year working as a Gannawarra Shire lifeguard, but she has previously worked at the Leitchville swimming pool as well as facilities in Melbourne.
“Being a lifeguard is a pretty active job which is nice in summer, you also get to meet many new people, people considering becoming a lifeguard should do so, we have a good group of people and it is a pretty fun job,” she said.Contact council to become involved.
