Saving lives is more than a job

Have you always wanted to help save lives? Become a pool lifeguard.

East Gippsland Shire Council’s next lifeguard course run by Life Saving Victoria will be on Saturday and Sunday, August 10 and 11 (10am to 5pm) at the Lakes Entrance Aquadome. You must be over 16 years and have a first aid certificate to enrol.

Becoming a lifeguard is a challenging and rewarding career, and ensuring the safety of visitors to East Gippsland Shire Council’s swimming pools takes a high level of skill, fitness and judgement.

Lakes Entrance Aquadome Coordinator Kelly Smart said Council employs about 25 leisure centre staff, with many more casual positions over summer months.

“It can be a great pathway to becoming a leisure and recreation professional in a variety of areas from pool operations, fitness and gym, learn to swim instructor and more,” Kelly said.

Tom Alkemade, 20, became a lifeguard three years ago and enjoys the career because it is flexible with school and university hours.

“The best part of being a lifeguard is the responsibility you have to customer safety, and you get to meet lots of people,” Tom said.

Book into the course at the Life Saving Victoria website – your first step to a new career!

Lifeguard Tom Alkemade enjoys his role working at East Gippsland Shire Council’s Lakes Entrance Aquadome.