City of Nanaimo launches new lifeguard training program

Applications for the "To the Rescue" program being accepted

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed May 29, 2023 12:08 PM

Summary

The City of Nanaimo Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture has developed an employment training program called "To the Rescue" as a way to train and hire lifeguards and swim instructors for Nanaimo Aquatic Centre, Beban Park Pool and Westwood Lake.

The program will provide opportunities for potential employees by offering financial support to achieve leadership certifications required to become a lifeguard and swim instructor. This two-month program will have the participants taking part in seven core courses starting this July:

Bronze Medallion (July 10-13)
Bronze Cross (July 17-20)
National Lifeguard Pool Option (July 27-August 4)
Lifesaving Society Swim for Life and Lifesaving Instructor (August 14-25)
Standard First Aid (July 14 or July 21)

Besides potential employment, taking part in the program helps students earn high school credits, gain transferable skills, including problem solving, responsibility, leadership and teamwork. It is also a great opportunity to get introduced to a variety of work-related fields, including school teacher, nurse, paramedic, coast guard, fire rescue and more.

To be eligible for the financial support, participants must be 16 years old by September 1, 2023, commit to the training program by having 100 percent attendance and have excellent availability to work starting in September. Training fees will be reimbursed after participant has completed the probation period of employment.

To apply, applicants can fill out the online form found on the City of Nanaimo website (To the Rescue application) or they can pick up a copy at Nanaimo Aquatic Centre and Beban Park Pool, as well as submit a cover letter and resume. These documents should be sent to Kathy Gonzales, Aquatic Manager, by email (kathy.gonzales@nanaimo.ca) or dropped off to Nanaimo Aquatic Centre (741 Third Street).

Application deadline is Thursday, June 15, 2023.

Link to Strategic Plan: The City of Nanaimo is committed to the livability of its citizens.

Key Points

The purpose of the "To the Rescue" program is to provide an opportunity for lifeguard and swim instructor training and the potential to obtain employment as a lifeguard/swim instructor with the City of Nanaimo.
This training fees are reimbursed upon successful completion of probation of employment with the City of Nanaimo.
Applications can be found online or at Nanaimo Aquatic Centre and Beban Park Pool. Application deadline is Thursday, June 15, 2023.

Quotes

"This 'To the Rescue' program is an innovative way to recruit staff for the pools which has been a challenge since the pandemic. It is a great opportunity to receive the training for employment and to learn a variety of life-long skills, including leadership, problem-solving and teamwork. In a short two months, you can be working with the City of Nanaimo in our pools."

Leonard Krog

Mayor

City of Nanaimo

Attachments

To the Rescue poster

-30-

Contact:

Media Enquiries

Communications

City of Nanaimo

250 754 4251

Media.Requests@nanaimo.ca

Print News Release

Is there anything wrong with this page?

Help us improve our website

Don't include private or financial information in this form.

Email Address

What you were doing

What went wrong

Collection and use of your personal information

Information collected on this form is done so under the general authority of the Community Charter and Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA), and is protected in accordance with FOIPPA. Questions about the collection of your personal information may be referred to the Legislative Services Department at 250-755-4405, or via email at foi@nanaimo.ca. Please also see our Privacy Policy.