AusLeisure

Forced to close its pools every weekend since 18th February due to a critical lifeguard shortage, Queenstown's Alpine Aqualand has been able to recruit new staff so that, as of today, it can reopen on Saturdays and Sundays.

Ordinarily, the Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) facility operated 199 rostered hours a week but by the end of January they were short 144 of the required hours - or at least three full-time lifeguards and one or two part-timers - to safely staff the facility, which includes a lap pool, leisure pool, lazy river, two hydroslides (waterslides), a tapered toddlers’ pool, a hot pool and learners’ pool for swimming lessons.

Explaining the challenge, QLDC Sport and Recreation Manager, Simon Battrick said it was a "difficult decision" to shut the doors at weekends. However, following a successful lifeguard recruitment campaign - which is ongoing - he was excited to welcome the community back.

Battrick noted “swimming is such an essential skill and we appreciate how families love coming here on the weekends to spend quality time together.

"We’re all looking forward to seeing a great turnout and welcoming everyone back at Alpine Aqualand."

While the Council is still short-staffed across several aquatic roles, with the lifeguard shortage still being felt, Battrick advised that there have been enough applications and trainees to fully staff the week ahead.

This weekend both hydroslides, in operation from 10.30am, will be free to use with standard pool entry payment.

Image: Queenstown's Alpine Aqualand.

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