There is “pressure” on lifeguard provision – primarily in Craigavon’s South Lake Leisure Centre – with a total of 26 vacancies currently listed.
The issue was addressed at a recent meeting of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Council’s Community & Wellbeing Committee.
In discussing the findings of the Health and Recreation Report, members were informed that the Lifeguard vacancies present at South Lake Leisure Centre equate to 44% of the overall team.
At Banbridge Leisure Centre there are also four Lifeguard vacancies equating to 24% of their team.
The committee heard that officers “will not compromise on operating the services without the required provision”,
which over October and November saw “minor service disruption” to the pool service.
The report adds that recruitment exercises have been completed for leisure attendants, exercise class instructors, housekeepers and swimming teachers… but comes with the caveat that they have “not been successful in filling all posts”.
A total of seven employees have been “up-skilled” and have attended an aqua aerobics course in November which, officers say, “moving forward will allow us to operate a more robust programme, reducing cancellations”.
Officers are also working with the Council’s Human Resources department to roll out additional training courses to current employees in the near future focusing on exercise classes.
