Call for lifeguards across Harrogate district
There is a national shortage of leisure staff
Leisure bosses across Harrogate district are calling for people to apply to become lifeguards or swim teachers now sites are reopening.
The industry has seen a drop in staff members during the pandemic and now things are opening back up they're running short.
It's as throughout the pandemic people who would usually work in pools have chosen to retrain for other jobs and have started new careers.
Mark Tweedie, managing director at Brimhams Active who operate Harrogate's leisure centres, said: "When all the pools were closed there wasn't an opportunity for lifeguards to top their training up which is a requirement for the qualification.
"This is a brilliant opportunity now for anyone who wants to work in the leisure services and there are so many career progressions which could come from it.
"Many of our lifeguards and swim teachers have gone on to become managers or done their gym qualifications.
"It's a skill you can take anywhere. If you want to go an work as a beach lifeguard in Australia you can say you did your training and got your experience in Harrogate. But all jokes aside there are always going to be leisure centres and sports facilities so there is always going to be a career here.
Trevor Watson, Harrogate Borough Council’s director for economy and culture, said: "We have the added challenge that if any of staff get a notification from the NHS Test and Trace app to self-isolate, then they must do so. For many of us, this doesn’t present a problem as we can work at home. But for our leisure centre staff this isn’t possible and sadly has an unavoidable impact on the services we provide.
"We are doing what we can to recruit staff, fill these gaps and return to normal as soon as it is safe to do so. I’d like to thank residents for bearing with us."
It is hoped that swimming lessons will be available at all pools from September.
The council are urging anyone interest in becoming a lifeguard – whether part-time or full-time – to visit: www.harrogate.gov.uk/jobs.