Lifeguard recruitment and retention

What is it about?

Aquatic and Recreation Centres (ARCs) are experiencing challenges to recruit enough skilled staff over the last few years. The aquatics industry has been described as being in a crisis, experiencing unprecedented levels of turnover amongst lifeguards. This study interviewed aquatic and recreation centre managers (N = 16; 69% female) to explore their insights about lifeguard turnover. Deductive content analysis determined that lifeguards leave their current position because i) lifeguarding being a temporary position, ii) a negative working environment, iii) pursuing employment in a higher paying lifeguard position and iv) location of the ARC. Management implications regarding lifeguard recruitment and retention are discussed.

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Why is it important?

This article raises issues about lifeguard recruitment and retention that also has implications for other casual ARC staffing challenges.