Linked Header

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Lifesaving Society Says Lifeguards Should Be Paid More



















          (Fisher Lakes)
           (File Photo)

In the aftermath of a 21 year old man drowning Sunday afternoon at Fisher Lakes, a question has been raised about why there was no lifeguard on duty.

Elizabeth Lamothe of the Provincial Lifesaving Society says these jobs are taken by students who have to return to school on the Labour Day weekend and they're not merely window dressing sitting around the beach all summer getting a tan. Only one per cent of drownings take place where there is a lifeguard on duty.

Lamothe says if the wages were increased for lifeguards, people other than students, who are physically fit, might be more willing to train for the job over the winter and be available longer.