Eurobodalla Council’s new swimming pool contractor is on the hunt for learn to swim instructors and a head coach.
Eurobodalla Aquatics managing director Brad Paterson says he intends to appoint two full time staff – a learn to swim coordinator and a head swimming coach – to deliver programs at Moruya and Narooma pools. Program staff are already in place at Batemans Bay pool.
Mr Paterson says his company wants to maintain a long term staffing strategy to provide security for pool staff and to build a consistent and solid swimming program for Eurobodalla families.
Unfortunately, early recruitment attempts didn’t worked out as planned.
“During September, we successfully recruited an Australian Swimming Silver Licence Coach, and an AUSTSWIM Trainer and Assessor,” said Mr Paterson.
“Both signed employment contracts and were relocating from Sydney. Unfortunately, just days before commencing work, both applicants resigned for personal reasons. “This left us scrambling to find program staff five days before the pools opened,” he said.
“Moruya local Isabelle Pyke stepped up and agreed to extend her arrangement to deliver learn to swim at Batemans Bay pool to include Moruya pool.”
“These lessons are now fully booked at Moruya and regrettably some families have missed out.
“I would like to assure the Eurobodalla community that everything that can be done is being done to attract qualified staff.
“We’ve advertised on all the major accredited swim coach and swimming websites and we’re expanding our employment model to include traineeships for motivated community members wishing to commence a career in our industry.”
“There’s an industry-wide shortage of learn to swim coaches, and in the Eurobodalla where two of the pools are outdoor and only open part of the year, it’s even more difficult to attract staff because of the difficulty of offering ongoing employment.
“We do hope to turn this around with our full-time employment model,” Mr Paterson said.
Meanwhile, Council’s Recreation Manager Mark Upson said Council is investigating the possibility of partnering with the pool operator to offer subsidies to local people prepared to undertake learn to swim training and join the team working at Council’s three pools.
Eurobodalla Aquatics commenced managing Council’s three swimming pools on 30 July, replacing the YMCA.
Visit the new Eurobodalla Aquatics website for information about positions vacant, pool opening hours and programs www.eurobodallaaquatics.com.au
