There is a lot of uncertainty in the aquatic community. With summer fast approaching, there is still no clear directive regarding when or if pools would reopen in time for the summer season. Indeed, there are many pressing questions facing swimming pools, their employees and members.
One of the more urgent questions is what will happen to the lifeguard and aquatic workforce. Each summer, thousands of seasonal lifeguards flock to outdoor pools for a few months of work, fun and memories. As it stands, there are no clear directives only hints and speculation. Based off of recent news and developments in similar industries around the world, as well Albertas economic restart plan (the only province to specifically provided a timeline for swimming pools), the most likely restart date for pools will be around June-July at best.
If pools do restart around June-July, you can bet it will be in a much more limited capacity. From what I’m hearing, it looks like 25-30% of pre-covid capacities (Quebec-Ontario). However, with the additional covid-related tasks projected (planning for replacements, additional sanitization, enforcing social distancing etc) pools would probably retain most, if not all of their pre-covid staff.
What about aquatic programs (lessons, swim team, first aid, etc)? Again, there is no decision yet, but likely any outdoors programs which can implement social distancing and limited-or-non contact activities will be first to get the green light.
Here is a list of things lifeguards can do to be as well prepared for summer as possible.
Stay up to date on relevant news
News is changing almost daily. While there is very little, if any, information specifically regarding swimming pool reopening dates, new news can become available at any instant. Most provinces should have a detailed available economic restart plan by mid-May, at which point most pools should be able to start preparing for opening.
There has been some important news already: Montreal’s West Island, both the NAA & ALPS summer pool leagues have already announced plans to cancel summer competitions, and one other pool has announced they are closing for the summer. That being, optimism is that most pools will be opening, as the goal remains being able to provide this important and awesome service to the community.
Other great ways to stay up to date is to follow key blogs and thought leaders. I recommend Swimming Canada’s Covid Resource Hub, and your local province’s economic restart resource.
Speak to your employer
See if they have an action plan for the post-quarantine world. If they do, great! especially if that plan is based off a staff survey or input from the staff. See how you fit into the plan and ask any relevant questions. If a plan isn’t readily available, reach out and inquire. Ask how your work schedule might be impacted, are there opportunities to take on more work?
Showing this type of initiative will at the very least put you in good standing with your employer should more or limited hours become available.
Start preparing for possible training and restart scenarios
In true lifeguard form, governments and swim federations have done a remarkable job in staying proactive. They are responsibly identifying and preparing for all scenarios. Individual aquatic programs will be modified accordingly.
Employees will be trained in these updated procedures, employers are likely well on their way to developing these platforms. Trainings will possibly include online trainings, remote and video-conference trainings. It’s actually incredibly exciting that the swim industry could be taking such an innovative.
Upon restart, there will be a steep learning curve. Lifeguards will have to pay attention to several new details, including shared surfaces, distance between patrons and more. Our visual sweep will have to take into account new factors.
Stay informed, and be prepared to learn a new way to do your job.
Worst-case: New opportunities
Worst-case scenario, if your job is not guaranteed you can start to plan for new opportunities. Lifeguards who work in the public system (municipal, public pools) should look to the private sector, and vice versa. If you do start a search, ask for referrals and read reviews, and sure this exciting new step is as amazing as possible.
As Canadian Water Polo Olympian Devon Diggle simply put it, “when one door closes another opens”.
Summer is only a few short weeks away. Typical aquatic pre-season work begins early June, which is even sooner. If there aren’t clear answers yet, the best we can do is be prepared and create new opportunities along the way.
