Guard shortage may lead to cuts (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Guard shortage may lead to cuts

SHIPSTON swimming pool may be forced to drastically cut back its opening times if it fails to attract more lifeguards.

The pool, which is operated by Shipston High School, has already been forced to cancel swimming sessions during the day because it does not have the required minimum of two lifeguards on duty.

Last Thursday, pupils at Shipston Primary School were disappointed when their regular swimming lesson had to be cancelled.

Jenny Bamfield from the High School said: "We are determined to keep it open. If we haven't got full coverage we might have to close at certain times."

The recruitment crisis has been exacerbated by the departure of the deputy manager just before Christmas and the long-term sickness absence of manager Duncan Holland, a trained lifeguard and swimming teacher. Mr Holland is due to be off work for at least another month.

In a bid to attract new staff, the school has joined forces with Stratford District Council to run a lifeguard training course during half-term next week.

Pool supervisor Pat Buchanan is looking for trained lifeguards to start work as soon as possible and the half-term training course will hopefully allow more people to come forward.

Those eligible to attend the course have to be aged 16 and above and have an average swimming ability, being able to swim 50 metres front and 50 metres back and collect a brick off the bottom of the pool.

For information about the training course contact Pat Buchanan on 01608 662354.