Stawell Sports and Aquatic Centre and St Arnaud Swimming Pool leaders are on the hunt for additional staff to help keep patrons safe as they launch their 2024-25 summer seasons.

The summer season, which began at both pools this month and continues until mid-March 2025, sees an average of about 11,000 visitors to Stawell Sports and Aquatic Centre and 8000 at St Arnaud Swimming Pool.

Northern Grampians Shire Council Mayor Karen Hyslop said with predictions of a hot summer, both Stawell and St Arnaud pools needed additional lifeguards to ensure safety of both patrons and staff.

She said for a limited time, the council would cover the cost of lifeguard training, valued at $520.

“Pool lifeguards have the most important job at the pool – their main role is prevention, educating patrons about rules and safety to eliminate the risk of drowning,” she said.

“Casual lifeguards can work between three and 30 hours a week over summer. Our managers work with our lifeguards to ensure they have the number of hours that suit their needs.

“Along with flexibility, other benefits include a fun and rewarding atmosphere to work in, an outdoor environment, an attractive pay rate and qualifications that are recognised Australia-wide.”

Cr Hyslop said lifeguard positions were also stepping stones for career progression at the centre or within Northern Grampians Shire Council.

“A lifeguard position could turn into a duty manager position once they turn 18, and they could also progress into other areas within the council,” she said.

Duty manager-in-training Eliza Parker joined the Stawell Sports and Aquatic Centre team in January 2023 and said she would encourage others to consider becoming a lifeguard.

“The thing I enjoy most about being a lifeguard is the ability to ensure a safe environment for the community to enjoy,” she said.

“I also like the positive team culture, as it makes the job more enjoyable. 

“The dynamic environment means every day brings new challenges and opportunities to learn.

“It’s an incredibly rewarding job that promotes teamwork, responsibility and leadership skills.

“You gain many life skills such as emergency response and first aid, which can be beneficial in many areas of life.”

Cr Hyslop encouraged residents looking for work over the summer or beyond to consider lifeguard training.

“There has never been a better time to become a lifeguard in Northern Grampians Shire,” she said.

Anyone interested in finding out more about funded lifeguard training opportunities can call council recreation, leisure and libraries coordinator Samantha Winter on 5358 8759 or email samantha.winter@ngshire.vic.gov.au. People can visit www.ngshire.vic.gov.au/Sports-Recreation-and-Leisure for more information about opening hours and what is on offer, or follow St Arnaud Swimming Pool or Stawell Sports and Aquatic Centre on Facebook for updates.

The entire November 27, 2024 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!

The entire November,27, 2024 edition of AgLife is available online. READ IT HERE!