Waterloo in Ontario is introducing a free certification program to increase the number lifeguards. This fall, the city will waive certification fees to encourage adults to take lifeguard training.
A report by CBC News states that because of the pandemic many local municipalities had difficulty hiring lifeguards. This was due to young people who dropped out from training when pools closed, and never returned. The city is offering free lifeguard training to encourage people to take it.
According to the report, adults who pass the skills assessment next week will be eligible to take part in the aquatic certification program. This program offers a variety of courses including Bronze Medallion, Standard First Aid, CPR C and Emergency First Aid B. It also includes the Lifesaving Society Instructors and Swim Instructor Courses.
Kristen Cook revealed to CBC News that this is the first year they’re offering these courses free of charge to those who pass their assessment.
The program will last 15 weeks and participants who are successful will be eligible to work as pool deck staff in January. The initiative is aimed at attracting adults aged 18 and older, in order to find more employees who will stay with the city for a long time.
Waterloo currently operates two pools, Moses Spring and the Swimplex at the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex.
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