Lifeguard shortage cuts summer swimming and aquatic programs in London
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.
Aquatic program reductions due to a lifeguard shortage. (Source: City of London)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
Border restrictions to enter Canada extended until at least Sept. 30
The federal government announced Wednesday all existing border restrictions to enter Canada will remain in place until at least Sept. 30.
R. Kelly sentenced to 30 years in sex trafficking case
Fallen R&B superstar R. Kelly was sentenced to 30 years in prison Wednesday for using his fame to subject young fans - some just children - to systematic sexual abuse.
Police investigating possibility of 3rd suspect in Saanich, B.C., shooting
Police in Saanich, B.C., say they continue to investigate the possibility that a "third suspect" was involved in a fatal shooting at a bank that left two suspects dead and six officers injured Tuesday.
'What were they waiting for?' Woman inside Saanich bank amid shootout describes 'calm' gunmen
A woman who was trapped inside a bank during a robbery and fatal shootout with police near Victoria on Tuesday says there is one question still plaguing her a day later: Why didn't the gunmen just leave with the money?
Where do the inquiries into the 'Freedom Convoy' protests and use of Emergencies Act stand?
Five months ago, the first 'Freedom Convoy' trucks rolled into Ottawa. After the federal government took the unprecedented step of invoking the Emergencies Act to end the protests, a series of inquiries and probes have been initiated. With the nation's capital bracing for more protests over the Canada Day weekend, CTVNews.ca takes a look at where the main commissions and studies stand.
Mother forced to spend night sleeping on Toronto Pearson floor because of Air Canada delays
A mother of three children is speaking out after spending a night on the floor of Toronto Pearson Airport with her young kids in a nightmare weekend of travel.
Virginia man dies by suicide after toddler left in hot car dies
A toddler accidentally left in a vehicle for hours died Tuesday and police said his father was found dead in an apparent suicide at their Virginia home, police said.
Canada to lead upgraded NATO combat force in Latvia
Canada has signed an agreement to upgrade the NATO battlegroup it leads in Latvia to a brigade, a move that signals a commitment to the military alliance even as the federal Liberals resist calls to boost defence spending to two per cent of GDP.
INVESTIGATION
INVESTIGATION | OPP officer contributed to Toronto's notorious tow truck industry, court hears
A decorated OPP officer became part of the problem of the GTA’s troubled tow truck industry when he played favourites and sent more than half a million dollars in tows to a tow truck company also featured in a reality TV show, according to a Superior Court justice.
Kitchener
-
Calls for traffic controls at 'treacherous' Kitchener intersection after crash
A serious collision in Kitchener Tuesday has prompted calls for traffic controls to be installed at the off-ramps of Highway 7/8 onto Ira Needles Boulevard.
-
Kitchener rally condemns Roe v. Wade reversal
In the wake of the landmark Supreme Court decision south of the border, demonstrators in Kitchener showed up in support of abortion rights.
-
27-year-old identified as Hensall crash victim
A 27-year-old man has died after a single-vehicle crash near Hensall on Tuesday evening, according to police.
Windsor
-
What is revenge travel? A 'potential problem' for the region, says WindsorEats owner
A pandemic-inspired trend is encouraging people to pack their bags and jet off to the places they have missed over the past few years — but the owner of WindsorEats says it has him concerned about its negative impact on Windsor-Essex tourism.
-
'They sucked me right in': Retired Windsor firefighter scammed out of thousands
A retired Windsor firefighter is joining Windsor police in warning residents about a gift card scam after falling victim to one this past weekend.
-
Heat and humidity to return to Windsor-Essex, Chatham-Kent ahead of long weekend
The region is in for more hot and humid weather as a two-day heat wave is expected to take hold Thursday.
Barrie
-
Expert advises wearing a mask as COVID-19 cases rise in Simcoe Muskoka
The emergence of the new BA.5 COVID-19 variant has seen case counts increase in each of the last two weeks in Simcoe County, with 44 new this week by Monday alone.
-
Tourism heats up for summer amid significant staffing shortages
Businesses in The Blue Mountains are banking on a busy Canada Day long weekend and the first restriction-free summer season since 2019.
-
Orillia doctor shortage reaching dire levels
The City of Orillia is investing in attracting health care providers as looming retirements could mean thousands are left without a family doctor.
Northern Ontario
-
Sudbury’s music scene offers something for everyone with three festivals set for this summer
The Northern Lights Festival Boreal, Sudbury’s Summer Concert Series and Up Here Festival are promising an action-packed summer in the city.
-
Trial begins in 2018 murder case in Elliot Lake
The trial of a man charged with first-degree murder in the death of an Elliot Lake man got underway this week in a Sault Ste. Marie courtroom.
-
Three people hurt in Hwy. 17 collision in Sturgeon Falls
A detour is now available following a motor vehicle collision that closed Hwy. 17 in Sturgeon Falls, Ontario Provincial Police said Wednesday.
Ottawa
-
Police identify woman, teen killed at Ottawa home
Anne-Marie Ready, 50, and Jasmine Ready, 15, died from stab wounds following an incident at a home on Anoka Street Monday night, police said Wednesday afternoon.
-
Ottawa broadcaster, entrepreneur Mark Sutcliffe running for mayor
Longtime Ottawa entrepreneur, broadcaster and author Mark Sutcliffe is running to become the next mayor of Ottawa.
-
Ottawa ice cream shop closing on Canada Day over oppression of Indigenous peoples
"We choose not to celebrate the ongoing colonization, oppression and genocide of Indigenous peoples of this land," Moo Shu Ice Cream said in a social media post.
Toronto
-
Regis Korchinski-Paquet's family releases new video, files $10M civil lawsuit
A new video has been released showing what appears to be an interaction between Toronto police officers and Regis Korchinski-Paquet moments before she fell from a balcony two years ago.
-
Ontario man loses almost 500,000 travel points worth $5,000
An Ontario man says he's frustrated with his bank after almost 500,000 of his travel points disappeared.
-
This Ontario city just became the largest in the province to officially pay employees a living wage
This Ontario city is the largest to be designated an official Living Wage Employer to date.
Montreal
-
Montreal girl, 4, desperately needs stem cell donation
A social media campaign to help find a compatible stem cell donor for a four-year-old girl in Montreal is putting a spotlight on the lack of diversity in donor lists.
-
Ahead of summer festivals, Quebec health officials warn of rising COVID-19 numbers
Ahead of the hustle and bustle of festival season in Montreal, Quebec health officials are asking people to stay vigilant amid rising COVID-19 numbers.
-
More than half of flights at some Canadian airports getting cancelled, delayed: data
Recent data shows more than half of all flights in and out of some of Canada's major airports are being cancelled or delayed, as frustrations for travellers mount due in part to increased summer travel and not enough airport staff.
Atlantic
-
Memorial service held for RCMP Const. Heidi Stevenson, killed in N.S. mass shooting
An RCMP officer who was among 22 people killed in the 2020 Nova Scotia mass shooting was remembered Wednesday during a regimental service in Halifax for her "fierce" character and brave actions.
-
Woman charged with impaired driving after truck crashes into Sydney building
A woman has been charged with impaired driving after she allegedly crashed a vehicle into a building in Sydney, N.S., and left the scene.
-
Eskasoni residents divided about new liquor store coming to community
Eskasoni First Nation on Cape Breton Island is about to get its first licensed liquor store, however, opinions in the community are split about whether it's a wise move.
Winnipeg
-
Ruts and bumps make for 'roller coaster' ride on new interchange, councillor says
A four-year-old road project that cost the province a quarter billion dollars is already in need of repairs.
-
Winnipeg airport feeling 'ripple effect' of delays across Canada
Canadian travellers are having to employ the 'hurry up and wait' practice at airports across the country lately according to new data. According to the Winnipeg Airport Authority (WAA), this impact isn't being felt to the same extent as other airports in the country.
-
Swan River area under tornado warning
Parts of western Manitoba are under a tornado watch or warning Wednesday evening.
Calgary
-
Parade float attacked Sikh articles of faith, U of C expert says
An expert at the University of Calgary says a float in a small Alberta town's annual parade made a mockery of some of the symbols the Sikh religion hold sacred.
-
Woman killed at Ponoka Stampede identified as Alicia McKendrick
The woman who died during a practice at the Ponoka Stampede on Sunday has been identified by friends as Alicia McKendrick.
-
'Absolute carnage': Thunderstorm damages buildings, topples trees outside Calgary
A severe thunderstorm only lasted about 10 minutes, but Nathan Canning says that was enough time to blow the entire roof off his Quonset barn and cause thousands of dollars' worth of damage to his Langdon property.
Edmonton
-
Guilty verdict for man who killed 1-year-old son in Fort Saskatchewan
Damien Christopher Starrett was found guilty of killing his one-year-old son Ares Starrett and assaulting another child in a Fort Saskatchewan home on Nov. 23, 2019.
-
'The river grabbed me and pulled me under': Edmonton paddle boarder shares near-death experience
Lindsay Cholod ventured out onto the North Saskatchewan River last weekend for her first paddle of the season but it was almost her last.
-
Family, friends continue to search for 13-year-old Edmonton girl
The search for the 13-year-old girl who disappeared in Edmonton last Friday continued on Wednesday.
Vancouver
-
B.C. cop used position to pursue 'intimate relationships' while on duty, authorities say
Authorities have announced charges against a B.C. RCMP officer who allegedly used his position to pursue "intimate relationships with women," both on and off duty.
-
Is it legal to rent out a tiny Vancouver den with no windows?
It's not unusual for prospective renters searching out affordable options in Vancouver to come across listings where someone in search of a roommate has crammed a single bed into a windowless, downtown den. But are these arrangements legal?
-
Lytton, B.C., still under evacuation order one year after fire
What was once a village is now a fire-scarred wasteland that is uninhabitable. It's been a year since a devastating fire tore through Lytton, B.C., and even now, most of the community is under evacuation order.