Big Hill Pool manager, John Napier, is excited to welcome 15 newly trained lifeguards to the new pool/multi-sport complex scheduled to open June 2017.
“Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death worldwide and if we are unable to enrol people of all ages in our swimming and water safety programs due to lack of space then we are not meeting a major need in our community,” said Napier, who has been the pool manager for six years.
“The new aquatic centre will allow us the space to program appropriately for the community of Cochrane and surrounding area.”
Napier said that the current staff roster of 27 full and part-time members is anticipated to triple due to the new facility – creating employment opportunities for water enthusiasts, like recent lifeguard grads Lyse Carignan and Rick Schott.
Carignan, a retired teacher, and Schott, a retired government employee, both saw the opportunity for employment as a great way to give back to the community while staying active.
“When I was invited to join the boot camp, I thought: why not? It’s so rewarding to work with children and see them learn new skills,” said Carignan in a recent press release issued by the town.
Napier is encouraging Cochranites who are interested in taking part in upcoming lifeguard boot camps that will lead to employment at the new facility to step forward – no matter their age.
“We are currently in the process of recruiting candidates into our fall and winter lifeguard training courses,” he said.
“We are recruiting anyone that may have been a certified lifeguard in the past and is interested in recertifying their awards, or anyone who has an ability to swim at least 400 metres comfortably.”
