SCOTS swimming clubs have been told to “bring their own lifeguards” to pools in a bid to cut costs.
New rules implemented by Edinburgh Leisure mean groups based at the capital’s Royal Commonwealth Pool have to bring qualified lifesavers.
Groups based at the Royal Commonwealth Pool have to bring qualified lifesavers[/caption]
Lifeguards will “no longer be provided” when the facilities are closed to the public, reports Edinburgh Live.
Rescue personnel will still be on duty during normal pool opening hours.
Edinburgh Leisure said the move is in a bid to “support a sustainable future for its facilities”.
A spokesperson said: “Edinburgh Leisure is taking proactive steps to ensure the long-term sustainability of our swimming facilities while investing in our local swimming community.
“By covering the training costs for clubs to have their own qualified rescue personnel, we’re not just implementing a policy change – we’re creating new opportunities for skills development within the swimming clubs who use our facilities.
“This collaborative approach allows us to maintain affordable, accessible swimming facilities across Edinburgh while empowering clubs with greater operational independence.
“We remain committed to working closely with all clubs to ensure a smooth transition and continue providing vital swimming services to our communities.”
The change will be implemented from August 1.
To support clubs, Edinburgh Leisure will cover the costs of training and upskilling individuals to obtain the required qualifications.
Individuals with rescue responsibility must hold, as a minimum, the National Rescue Award for Swim Teachers and Coaches Light (NRA Light).
All individuals must be 16 years old on the first day of the course.
All must be able to climb out of the pool unaided, without a ladder or steps, swim 50m and surface dive to the deepest part of the pool.
We recently told how kids in P5 will get free swimming lessons, if Scottish Labour wins next year’s Holyrood election.
The party has pledged to teach basic water safety skills in collaboration with Scottish Swimming and local councils.
Its sports spokesman Neil Bibby MSP said it was a “scandal” that around 25 to 30 per cent of kids leave primary unable to swim.
