Swimming pools in Castlegar, Creston and Nelson will be expanding their operating hours starting this week.
“We are happy to announce, that we can now begin to offer increased hours of operation at our three main facilities,” said Craig Stanley, Regional Manager – Operations and Asset Management. “These increased hours of operation would not have been possible without the effort taken to promote and provide training opportunities within the RDCK region.”
When the RDCK reduced hours at the pools last March, they blamed a nation-wide shortage of lifeguards and swimming instructors.
Starting in early 2023, the RDCK began offering subsidized courses to support the growth and succession of lifeguards, swim instructors, fitness instructors and personal trainers.
“Staffing availability has significantly increased when the RDCK began offering free and subsidized training opportunities,” said Stanley.
He added that there is also a potential of further increases at a later date.
Castlegar will see increased hours on Tuesdays, while Nelson and Creston will see increased hours on four days of the week.
You can find all pool, fitness centre and facility hours of operation at rdck.ca/recreation.
If you are interested in pursuing lifeguard, swim instructor, fitness instructor or personal trainer certification contact any RDCK facility or visit rdck.ca/GetTraining for information about training opportunities.
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