Picture, right: Stawell Sports and Aquatic Centre leisure assistant Eliza Parker is encouraging others to join the Stawell or St Arnaud pool teams by taking up an opportunity for funded lifeguard training.
Stawell Sports and Aquatic Centre and St Arnaud Swimming Pool leaders are on the hunt for additional members to help ensure patron and staff safety throughout the busy summer period.
Both assets last week launched their 2024-25 summer seasons, which run until mid-March.
Northern Grampians Shire Council mayor Karen Hyslop said St Arnaud residents were excited to access their pool again, while Stawell's lap swimmers were pleased to be able to move from indoors to outdoors.
"The children are eagerly waiting for the water slides to open in Stawell, which are always a hit for the greater community," she said.
"Families travel from Horsham and Ararat to use them. We're lucky to have such wonderful facilities available for everyone."
On average, the aquatic centre welcomes 11,000 visits throughout the summer period, with the St Arnaud pool chalking up more than 8000 visits.
Cr Hyslop said with predictions of an incoming hot summer, both Stawell and St Arnaud pools needed additional lifeguards to ensure safety of both patrons and staff.
She said for a limited time, the council would cover the cost of becoming a lifeguard, valued at $520.
"Pool lifeguards have the most important job at the pool – their main role is prevention, educating patrons about rules and safety to eliminate the risk of drowning," she said.
"Casual lifeguards can work between three and 30 hours a week over summer. Our managers work with our lifeguards to ensure they have the number of hours that suit their needs.
"Along with flexibility, other benefits include a fun and rewarding atmosphere to work in, an outdoor environment, an attractive pay rate and qualifications that are recognised Australia-wide."
Cr Hyslop said the lifeguard position was also a great stepping stone for career progression at the centre or within Northern Grampians Shire Council.
"A lifeguard position could turn into a duty manager position once they turn 18, and they could also progress into other areas within the council," she said.
Eliza Parker joined the Stawell Sports and Aquatic Centre team in January 2023 and is already training for a duty manager position.
"The thing I enjoy most about being a lifeguard is the ability to ensure a safe environment for the community to enjoy," she said.
"I also like the positive team culture, as it makes the job more enjoyable. The dynamic environment means every day brings new challenges and opportunities to learn."
Eliza said she would encourage others to consider becoming a lifeguard.
"It's an incredibly rewarding job that promotes teamwork, responsibility and leadership skills," she said.
"You gain many life skills such as emergency response and first aid, which can be beneficial in many areas of life.
"Being a lifeguard can also offer the chance to work in a fun environment and make a positive impact on your community."
Cr Hyslop encouraged residents looking for work over the summer or beyond to consider lifeguard training.
"There has never been a better time to become a lifeguard in Northern Grampians Shire," she said.
