Fate of Taylor pool to be decided next week

"I'm trying to do my due diligence of getting the message out there that we need guards and we want to operate but if I can't provide the service then there's no point in me opening our doors."

Even if he finds the six to eight workers he needs, it's likely the pool would only be open from Monday to Friday for lessons.

Bird says it's been difficult to find employees the last two years, as many have moved on, and others are drawn to pools that are open year-round like in Fort St. John.

"I need people, otherwise we could potentially not be opening this summer. We're finding that the bodies that we used to depend on just aren't there."

Bird also points to the cost and amount of time it takes to get certified as another hurdle in hiring qualified lifeguards. It costs approximately $1,600 for all the courses plus probably about 150 hours of experience to become a fully certified lifeguard and instructor.

"We're finding that the interest in doing that just isn't there because there's so many other opportunities that require a lot less certification and pay about the same money."

The North Peace Leisure Pool will be holding lifeguarding courses in June and July of this year, but that will be too late for Taylor. Bird hopes to open the pool by May long weekend, for school year-end parties. However, if he doesn't receive enough applicants by next Tuesday, it's likely that won't be an option.

If you or someone else you know has National Lifeguard Service Certification, Standard First Aid with CPR C and is a Water Safety Instructor, contact Bryant Bird at bbird@districtoftaylor.com or 250-789-3392.