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Australia faces 'acute' lifeguard shortage

Hannah RyanAAP
Lifeguards and swimming teachers are in short supply at pools and aquatic centres across Australia.
Camera IconLifeguards and swimming teachers are in short supply at pools and aquatic centres across Australia. Credit: AAP

Pools around the country are struggling to recruit qualified swimming teachers and lifeguards to keep people safe in the water.

Royal Life Saving Australia is warning that an "acute" shortage of staff is hampering the aquatic industry's attempts to rebuild post-pandemic.

"This is a significant issue for an industry which really struggled to survive the pandemic lockdowns," Royal Life Saving Australia chief executive Justin Scarr said in a statement on Tuesday.

He's urging people who are out of work or looking for a career change to consider hopping in the water.

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"The aquatic industry is great for people who need some flexibility - parents returning to the workforce, or people looking for hours that fit around their caring responsibilities," he said.

The society reviewed job advertisements on Seek this week, finding 198 ads for paid lifeguards and 153 for swim teachers.

Some of the ads are recruiting multiple people, with more than 500 positions available in total.

Mr Scarr said there were good career paths available in the aquatic industry, including entry-level, technical and management roles.

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