Lifeguard education grant program working, dozens already signed up

CHILLIWACK — It appears an incentive grant being offered to attract new lifeguards, is having the intended impact.

According to the operator of four pools in Chilliwack, 70 applicants have joined the lifeguard training process because of the grant. Dave Woollven, V.P. of Health, Fitness at YMCA Greater Vancouver is extremely pleased with the success of the grant program.

A lack of lifeguards in the area led to the introduction of the $1,000 grant towards lifeguard education provided by the YMCA and City of Chilliwack. The staffing shortage has resulted in reduced operating hours of pools in the city.

“We haven’t returned to pre-COVID staffing levels,” said Woollven. “But we are getting there and the extra 70 trainees will really help.” That will result in a continuation of reduced hours for the time being. Woollven also asked for patience with the program. “Some of these trainees are only 13-years-old and are far from actually working as a lifeguard.”