A NATIONAL shortage of swimming instructors and lifeguards has led to a major recruitment drive at a Coventry sports and leisure provider.
Coventry Sports Foundation, which manages three leisure centres across the city, has launched a call for prospective swim teachers and pool lifeguards.
To attract candidates, the organisation is hosting a recruitment open day at Centre AT7 today (May 19) where those considering applying will be able to learn about opportunities available and talk to current lifeguards.
As an incentive, successful applicants will be able to train for free on accredited course – at the end of which they will be fully qualified pool lifeguards and swim teachers.
Operations manager Kath Healion said the opportunity will appeal to candidates across the board as well as provide vast opportunities for progression to those who are successful.
She added: “We anticipate vacancies will appeal to a range of applicants, including those looking for the first rung on the ladder for a career in the leisure industry, as well as people who may be keen to retrain or enjoy working with children.
“The cost of qualifications and training courses can often be a barrier that puts people off so by offering the opportunity to train for free we hope to open the roles up to more candidates.
Wendy Jackson, community development manager, added that the life skills gained from children learning swimming are what makes the foundation’s facilities so important for the city.
She said: “Those who learn how to swim also learn and develop important transferable skills and make friends – which is what makes our facilities so important.
“The facilities are a valued community resource, so we hope the recruitment open day will help us to attract a range of talent.”
The recruitment open day will run from 10am until 1pm today and again at 6pm until 9pm at Centre AT7.
