Lifeguard shortage cuts summer swimming and aquatic programs in London
Outdoor pools are being prepped to open in July, but this summer will have fewer opportunities for Londoners to take a dip.
A report to city council’s Community and Protective Services Committee explains that COVID-19 restrictions in 2020 and 2021 limited opportunities for lifeguards to be trained and certified.
The consequence is a province-wide shortage.
London normally employs 110 lifeguards, but Director of Recreation and Sport Jon-Paul McGonigle said many positions remain infilled.
“We’re anywhere from 15 to 25 short, it fluctuates on a daily basis. At 40 hours per week you can see how much it adds up,” he told CTV News. “We are really just trying to work with the supply [of lifeguards] we have available.”
Though the goal was a return to normal this summer, McGonigle expects aquatic programs offered by the city will operate at about 80 per cent of pre-pandemic (2019) levels.
Service reductions will impact:
- Recreational swims
- Fit lane offerings
- Learn to swim
Pool hours will be reduced and there will be daily closures equitably rotated across the city.
Water slides that require two lifeguards will not operate.
Meanwhile, the Glen Cairn outdoor pool will not operate this summer because of safety concerns.
Constructed in 1963, repairs were made to permit a continuation of recreational swimming last year.
But an evaluation by engineers this spring exposed severe structural deficiencies requiring extensive repairs.
It’s a devastating disappointment for neighbours who spoke to CTV News.
“I don’t drive, but it’s walkable to be able to have swim time and cool off,” said Debbie Corns.
Chelsea Brown worries that kids will turn to dangerous and unmonitored locations to cool off when temperatures climb.
"There’s the Thames River right down the road from here,” she explained. “If kids aren’t going to be able to swim in a pool, they are going to be looking for other places to go and my first concern is that river.”
The city says it won’t leave the community high and dry this summer.
“We will try to assist them with any opportunities we can, whether that’s swim passes or transportation opportunities to other nearby facilities,” promised McGonigle.
The closed pool next to the previously closed recreation centre has other Glen Cairn residents worried about the long-term viability of their neighbourhood for families.
“Low income people around here, we need things like that. It’s sad. It’s taking everything away from our community,” said Betty Lambert.
McGonigle says community consultation about the future of aquatic facilities in Glen Cairn were delayed by the pandemic, but will be held this fall.
“Everything will be on the table,” he said. “Some of them might be shorter term, some longer term, but that will be up to our discussions with the community."
Summer hours for aquatic facilities and pools will be released by city hall in June.
Splash pads will continue to operate as in previous years.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Another suspect arrested in Toronto Pearson airport gold heist: police
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Poilievre-led government 'would never' use notwithstanding clause on abortion, his office says
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Why these immigrants to Canada say they're thinking about leaving, or have already moved on
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
Cyclist strikes child crossing the street to catch school bus in Montreal
A video circulating on social media of a young girl being hit by a bike has some calling for better safety and more caution when designing bike lanes in the city. The video shows a four-year-old girl crossing Jeanne-Mance Street in Montreal's Plateau neighbourhood to get on a school bus stopped on the opposite side of the street
BREAKING 6 injured in Sharbot Lake, Ont. crash; 2 in life-threatening condition
Ontario Provincial Police say six people have suffered severe injuries in a single-vehicle crash in Sharbot Lake, Ont, including two in life-threatening condition.