Lifeguard shortages continue to impact EA Networks Centre, with the facility keeping shorter pool hours for another two months.

That means the aquatic area will continue to open at 8am on Tuesdays and Thursdays, as well as 8am on Saturdays and Sundays, and close on Fridays at 6pm. The reduced hours will be in place until 22 September.

People and Facilities Group Manager Sarah Mosley acknowledges the reduced operating hours are frustrating for regular pool users.

“The reduced hours reflect the lowest impact possible to our existing programmes. We do appreciate that this impacts some users’ normal activity plans.

“We're trying as hard as we can to recruit more lifeguards so that we can go back to our normal pool hours but the national aquatic recruitment market remains tight.

“We’re pleased to have hired six new part-time lifeguards recently, but we’ve also lost three who are undertaking study, a career change or travelling overseas.

“So the reality is we have a number of vacancies, one of which is full-time.”

Ms Mosley said team members had been covering extra shifts and their dedication was much appreciated.

“They’ve been the glue in keeping our pools open while we’re trying to recruit more staff, but they too need leave. The shortage is a nationwide issue and many other pools around the country are dealing with staff shortages and reduced operating hours too.”

If you would like to join our aquatic team, head to our website ashburtondc.govt.nz and get in touch today!

The hours for the pool area are:

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