Alexandra Pool on reduced hours due to lifeguard shortage
Update week of 15 August:
With a staff member now available, the Alexandra Pool is able to open at 9am on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The other opening hours are as per the table below, 6am opening on Tuesday and Thursday, with the weekend hours the same.
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Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increasing shortage of lifeguards, which is having an impact on swimming pools across New Zealand.
The Central Otago District Council (CODC) has also begun to feel the effects and had to make the difficult decision to reduce the opening hours at the Alexandra Pool, to ensure safety for users.
Cromwell Pool is not affected by the reduction at this stage.
In the past week, it had been a struggle to provide coverage for absences, due to covid and general sickness at the Alexandra Pool, CODC Aquatics Manager Carly Getson said.
“We are mindful that this is disappointing for our community, and we are doing everything we can to run all of our programmes, including Learn to Swim Classes, Swim Skills, Aquafit, Swimming Club and Kayak Polo.”
Alexandra Pool Opening Hours as of Monday 15 August:
Monday:
Reduced Hours:
11.30am- 7.30pm – Aqua Fit programme running at 9am – No public swimming until 11.30am
Tuesday:
Normal Operation
6.00am- 7.30pm
Wednesday:
Reduced Hours:
11.30am- 7.30pm – Aqua Fit programme running at 9am – No public swimming until 11.30am
Thursday
Normal Operation
6.00am- 7.30pm
Friday
Reduced Hours:
11.30am- 7.30pm – Aqua Fit programme running at 9am – No public swimming until 11.30am
Saturday
Normal Operation
9.00am- 5pm
Sunday
Normal Operation
10.00am- 5pm
Please be mindful operation hours may change due to staff sicknesses on short notice, further reductions of hours may occur. Please call the Alexandra Pool on 03 4488 653. We will provide updates on Facebook and the Council website.
The council is urging people who are looking for a career change to consider applying for a job with Central Otago pools. The Council is looking for people with a passion for supporting the community’s health and wellbeing, who enjoy working in a customer service environment, and can swim 200m in under six minutes. Full training will be provided. If you think this sounds like you or know some who would make a great lifeguard, please send a cover letter and CV to people@codc.govt.nz, we have a range of full time and part time shifts available.
