The EA Networks Centre pool area will continue to open later on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, and at the weekend while it contends with staff shortages.

The pool area will open at 8am instead of 5.45am on Tuesdays and Thursdays, as well as 8am on Saturdays and Sundays, and close one hour earlier on Fridays at 6pm over the next four weeks, due to a shortage of lifeguards.

All other operating hours remain unchanged. This change is effective over the four weeks from Saturday 24 June until Sunday 23 July.

People and Facilities Group Manager Sarah Mosley said while the change was not ideal, it was necessary due to the continual impact of staffing shortages and it would help provide more certainty for the centre’s customers.

“This change allows us to offer a more consistent level of service to the community while we resolve staff shortages and allow our staff time to recover from illness.”

There has been a growing shortage of lifeguards around New Zealand since the Covid-19 pandemic hit and many pools have had to resort to reduced hours or pool closures.

Ms Mosley said that recruitment efforts were ongoing and both full and part-time opportunities were still available.

“If there’s anyone out there that’s keen to work in a fun, team environment with full training provided, then I’d encourage them to apply.”

The current vacancies can be viewed under Recreation & Leisure at Employment Opportunities | Ashburton DC.

The hours for the pool area from 24 June to 23 July are:

• Monday: 5.45am-7pm
• Tuesday: 8am-7pm
• Wednesday: 5.45am-7pm
• Thursday: 8am-7pm
• Friday: 5.45am-6pm
• Saturday and Sunday: 8am-5pm