CloseSwim Lessons Paused at Pender Pool
Following the scheduled annual maintenance shutdown, the Pender Harbour Aquatic & Fitness Centre pool is on track to reopen in September, supported by the successful recruitment of key aquatic staff and ongoing hiring efforts to strengthen the team.
As new staff are welcomed and training continues, the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) is prioritizing the development of a strong, skilled aquatic workforce to support safe, high-quality programming. As a result, registration for fall swim lessons will be postponed until the new team members are fully trained and in place.
This additional training period will help ensure staff have the skills and experience to deliver swim lessons when they resume.
Building aquatic staff capacity now will help create a stronger and more sustainable swim lesson program for Pender Harbour in the future.
The SCRD recognizes that there has been disruption to scheduled activities and programming at the Pender Harbour Pool in recent months. Staff have been working behind the scenes to strengthen aquatic recruitment, training and staffing capacity, including:
- Actively recruiting lifeguards.
- Offering aquatic leadership training to support recruitment and staffing needs.
- Delivering two National Lifeguard Service courses since April, with 17 participants registered.
- Offering a Swim Instructor course with seven participants registered.
- Delivering two Swim Instructor recertification courses since March, with 17 participants registered.
- Advancing the hiring process for an Aquatic Services Coordinator for the Pender Harbour Aquatic & Fitness Centre, a position that will increase capacity for lifeguarding and swim lesson instruction.
Swim Lessons Continue in Sechelt and Gibsons
Swim lessons will continue to be offered this fall at the Sechelt Aquatic Centre and Gibsons & Area Community Centre Pool.
Registration for all SCRD fall recreation programs, including swim lessons at the Sechelt and Gibsons pools, opens Wednesday, August 19 at 7 a.m.
Residents can preview fall programs and find registration information at www.scrd.ca/recreation-registration.
The SCRD appreciates the community’s patience and understanding as work continues to strengthen aquatic staffing at the Pender Harbour Pool.