Published 31 August 2023
If a swimming pool is your happy place, the forecast for your summer work options has never looked better – if you get organised now.
With predications for a scorching summer this year, community pools are going to be THE place to be, and employers are on the hunt for swim teachers and lifeguards to help keep people safe across the country.
Whether you’re on uni holidays, a carer looking for flexible employment that works around your responsibilities, or a retiree keen to keep active with some work without going back to a daily grind, the aquatic industry has the answer for you.
Royal Life Saving Society - Australia's National Manager Training & Workforce Development Shaun Jackson said 1300 public pools across Australia were starting to look for their summer workforce now.
“Our recent National Aquatic Industry Workforce Report showed how much people in the industry love their work and enjoy helping people in their community,” Mr Jackson said.
“There are lots of reasons people may not be able to work full-time hours: caring responsibilities, study commitments, and health conditions are common reasons people may not be able to, or want to, work a traditional 9-5 job.
“The aquatic industry is unique in that it offers genuine flexibility, it pays well, and your qualifications are recognised wherever you are in Australia.
“Whether it’s a capital city or a remote location every pool needs swim teachers and lifeguards.
“We know the long, hot summer ahead will make community pools even more important, especially in less affluent parts of Australia where the opportunity to cool off in the pool will particularly help vulnerable members of the community.”
Royal Life Saving analysis shows more than 600 jobs as lifeguards, pool operators and swim teachers are currently available – and that number is growing by 250 every week, even before seasonal pools start gearing up for opening.
To become a qualified swim teacher or lifeguard is a short, relatively inexpensive course which is nationally recognised. There are a range of federal and state-based support programs to help cover the cost.
Both swim teachers and lifeguards regularly have to call on a range of high value skills such as communication, risk management, decision-making, teamwork, customer service and performing under pressure, all of which are transferable to other industry sectors.
To help prepare Australia's lifeguard workforce for potentially the busiest summer in a decade, Royal Life Saving is rolling out significant updates to the Royal Life Saving National Pool Lifeguard Award - the industry standard in pool lifeguard training for the past 35 years. The course will focus on the latest innovations in preparation, planning, supervision, scanning, aquatic rescue and after care.
Depending on your situation, check out the below links for more information on working in the aquatic industry or completing a training course with the recognised leaders in aquatics training.
https://www.royallifesaving.com.au/training-development/careers-focus
https://www.royallifesaving.com.au/training-development/training-courses
