A lack of lifeguards at a Queenstown aquatic centre has meant closing on the weekends is its only option.
Alpine Aqualand in Frankton is the latest in a number of businesses impacted by severe staffing shortages.
Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) community services general manager Kenneth Bailey said they are currently looking for more than 10 lifeguards across Alpine Aqualand and Wānaka Recreation Centre (WRC) pools. This number is spread across full-time and part-time positions.
Alpine Aqualand will be closing on weekends starting Saturday February 18 until positions are filled.
He said lifeguards play an important community role allowing people to gain the valuable life skill of swimming. In addition, Council-managed pools are an important health and recreation facility for both Queenstown and Wānaka, he said.
Bailey said they don't want to close an important community facility when people expect them to be open.
"Closing Alpine Aqualand on weekends from 18 February was a last resort. Clearly we don't want to close an important community facility when people expect us to be open. This decision will be reviewed weekly as we work to recruit lifeguards."
He said once things are back to normal again they will reopen.
"Once the roster is back to normal levels we'll open the pool on weekends again. First and foremost, we want to minimise any disruption for all regular and casual pool users," Bailey said.
"Staff shortages are a nationwide challenge and QLDC isn't immune to that. We're currently experiencing a shortage of lifeguard applicants and are encouraging anyone looking for work in a great environment who can swim 200 metres in six minutes to apply.
"There are some incredible benefits to being employed as a lifeguard. You're providing a valuable community service as well as gaining nationally recognised qualifications, free gym membership and a commitment from QLDC to your ongoing development."
The lifeguard shortage has been exacerbated by high school and university students completing holiday jobs and returning to their studies combined with the difficulty of sponsoring overseas workers, he said.
The recruitment effort is ongoing and all prospective lifeguards should head to https://qldc.qjumpersjobs.co/ to find more information and details on how to apply.
