At Tuesday night’s Pembroke Council Meeting Director Jordan Durocher of Parks and Recreation outlined the need to hire and train new lifeguards for the recently re-opened Kinsmen pool. He pointed out that since the pool had been closed for some time, a number of the previous lifeguards were no longer available having moved on to other endeavors. The pool re-opened on the 15th of January after a lengthy closure due to building hazards.
The Kinsmen pool is classified as a “Class A” pool which means there must be lifeguards on duty at all times during operating hours.
The plan introduced to Council would entail instituting a training program offered by the Parks and Recreation department to ensure that all lifeguards are properly trained according to Ontario safety guidelines.
Director Durocher says that its only a matter of time before the exact details as to how to become involved will become public:
The cost of the training would be the responsibility of the trainee but could be reimbursed by the Parks and Recreation Department upon successful completion. Director Durocher indicated that a minimum of 300 hours of service would be required by the hires in order to qualify for the reimbursement.
Councilor Purcell challenged the plan adding that perhaps already qualified individuals in the vicinity might be able to come aboard right away avoiding a possible shortage of lifeguards while new hires are being trained.
it was noted that since reopening, usage of the pool and enrollment in various swimming programs is down significantly, possibly as much as 35% according to recent estimates. Director Durocher pointed out that it’s only been a couple of weeks since the pool opened it’s doors again so these figures may not be entirely accurate.
City Council intends to examine the issue further before any concrete decisions are made.
(Written by: Richard Evans)