This year, the YMCA of Hamilton/Burlington/Brantford will address the scarcity of skilled lifeguards by training a maximum of 200 new lifeguards. In the future, the organization plans to offer more pool activities and lessons.
It is currently actively recruiting and intends to hire 60 more lifeguards for its programs.
The Spec was told by the senior regional manager for health, fitness and aquatics at the local YMCA that during the height of the pandemic two years ago, all swimming programs had to be stopped. It began offering lifeguard training about one year ago to make up the shortages.
Their lifeguard trainees are mostly high school students and post-secondary students. The YMCA provides financial assistance for those who cannot afford national certification.
The senior regional manager of YMCA said that lifeguarding offers valuable skills such as leadership and communication, which can be used both inside and outside the pool. Some have even found their careers changed by it, like Monica Urbina from Brock University, who wants to be a high school teacher.
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