Image: YMCA / The YMCA of Greater Vancouver currently employs 26 lifeguards at the Chilliwack Landing Leisure Centre and Cheam Leisure Center combined, but hopes to potentially double that number at some point in the future in order to open the pools on a full-time basis.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Chilliwack lifeguards

YMCA looking to double the number of lifeguards at Chilliwack rec centres

Feb 2, 2023 | 11:33 AM

CHILLIWACK — Three municipalities in the Fraser Valley along with the YMCA of Greater Vancouver are all recruiting lifeguards to work in Chilliwack and the surrounding cities ahead of a busy summer season.

The YMCA of Greater Vancouver, which now operates the Chilliwack Landing Leisure Centre and Cheam Leisure Center, says it has 26 lifeguards currently working at the two rec centres, a number it hopes to double sometime in the future.

“Across both facilities we currently have 26 lifeguards,” said Lauren Janzen, manager for both recreation centres. “Depending on availability, we would be looking at anywhere from 50+ to open the pools full time. Again, this largely depends on availability – historically lifeguards have been high school or university aged and we are looking for staff who are available morning and daytime hours, or later night hours.”

The YMCA is currently advertising open positions and its lifeguard grant program across social media platforms and in-house, as well as through its training partner, LIT Aquatics.

Lifeguard wages for staff working at the Cheam Leisure Centre and Chilliwack Landing Leisure Centre range from $20 to $24 an hour depending on experience, Janzen said. Staff working more than 24 hours a week consistently also receive benefits, Janzen added.

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One municipality, the District of Kent, is offering an entry-level salary of up to $25.21 an hour for a junior lifeguard position, based on a starting wage of $22.12 per hour plus 14 per cent in lieu of benefits. Its lifeguard/instructor position carries a starting salary of $24.87 per hour plus 14 per cent in lieu of benefits, which comes out to $28.35 an hour.

The Fraser Valley Regional District has been similarly advertising for up to five lifeguard positions at the Hope & Area Recreation Centre with a starting wage of $21.77 per hour plus 14 per cent in lieu of benefits. A shift differential and overtime are paid where applicable according to the collective agreement.

Likewise, the City of Abbotsford has an open posting for a part-time guard/instructor position that pays $20.41 an hour to $24.01 an hour. This position is unionized through CUPE Local 774.

by Mike Vanden Bosch

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YMCA looking to double the number of lifeguards at Chilliwack rec centres

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