Winnipeg, MB – In response to the current national shortage of both part-time and full-time lifeguards, the City of Winnipeg is once again offering a free training and certification program to become an Instructor Guard.
The 16-week program, beginning in August, will provide the opportunity for up to 40 successful applicants to receive the six courses required to apply as an Instructor Guard with the City. All course materials will be included free of charge. The program will also provide an opportunity to those who have partial completion of the six required courses.
"By investing in lifeguard training, more children will have the opportunity to learn essential water safety skills," said Mayor Scott Gillingham. "Making the program free will help address the shortage of lifeguards and fill vacant positions within our city so that fewer parents are put on a wait list to get swimming lessons for their kids."
“Winnipeggers love to swim and with this program the City of Winnipeg continues to make sure they can,” said Councillor John Orlikow, Chairperson of the Standing Policy Committee on Community Services. “The impacts of COVID-19 and the lack of lifeguard certification courses resulted in a shortage of lifeguards. The City took action to deal with the issue through this innovative program. By reducing barriers, and with the support of our amazing staff, there will be adequate lifeguards to ensure more swimming lessons are available and pools are open.”
Designed to reduce financial barriers for those who wish to find employment as an Instructor Guard with the City, the program builds on the success of initial Instructor Guard Training Program announced in late 2022. The initial 14-week program successfully trained 58 new Instructor Guards and six Aquatic Instructors.
For more information and to apply, visit winnipeg.ca/instructorguard. The deadline to apply is Sunday, July 16, 2023.