Full lifeguard service returns to all P.E.I. provincial parks
Tourism Department says extra lifeguard recruitment efforts paid off this year
Unlike last summer, all provincial park beaches and pools are fully staffed with lifeguards this year, P.E.I. Tourism Department officials say.
Last year, there were problems recruiting enough qualified lifeguards.
That led to no service at all at Red Point Provincial Park and reduced service at Cabot Park.
Officials say it has become more of a challenge in recent years to find certified lifeguards.
Provincial lifeguard co-ordinator Adam Ross says extra recruiting efforts paid off this year and they were able to fill an extra three full time lifeguard positions.
"You know, there is that sense of accomplishment that the additional effort that we've made over the last year to make sure that we would be fully staffed in 2015, were worthwhile," said Ross. "The staff are happy that they are back to a full complement of staff across the province and that all of the parks are open."
"It's good and, you know, we're not going to take the foot off the gas to recruit new Islanders and tell them that this is a viable option for employment."
Ross said there are lifeguards at all eight provincial park beaches and two provincially run pools.