New city lifeguard policy comes at significant financial cost, London aquatic clubs say

Local aquatic clubs are expressing concern that a new city policy will force them to shoulder a significant amount in extra fees, and put the future of their organizations at risk.

Beginning in September, rentals of city-owned pools will require at least one municipal lifeguard to be on duty at all times, a cost paid for by those renting the facility. The lifeguard would be required even if a renting club had members poolside who had been National Lifeguard certified.

City officials say the move aligns with best practices, and is to help the municipality manage risk and liability.

However, some aquatic clubs argue the change caught them off guard and will require forking over potentially tens of thousands of dollars more per year as part of their rental agreements — a cost they'll have to pass on to members.

"For us, we're looking at an over 50 per cent increase for rental costs, with basically no notice," said Ian Kerr, board director of Forest City Diving Club (FCDC). The club's regular pool rates are $55 per hour, with a lifeguard adding another $29 per hour, per guard, he said.

"That would translate, if we passed it all on, to a 15 per cent increase for all divers just due to pool costs," or about $1,000 more annually for families, he said. The club said it will try and phase in the hike over several years. 

In a statement, Beth Heinrichs, president of the London Regional Artistic Swimming Club, said they too were disappointed, with the change coming "without any consultation with stakeholders from the community" and little explanation.

"The increased rental costs result in approximately a 20 per cent fee increase for our swimmers. This is significant in any year, but particularly now, given the current inflation impacting our community," Heinrichs said.

"We reached out to all councillors, including Mayor Josh Morgan; however, we were disappointed with the response. Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis, informed our Club that there was 'no recourse at this point.'"

CBC News contacted Lewis for comment, but received an automated reply that he was vacationing until mid-July. A city spokesperson said no one was available to speak on Tuesday.

In a statement, Ward 7 Coun. Corrine Rahman, whose ward includes the Canada Games Aquatics Centre where FCDC practices, said further discussions were needed.

"We know how important these clubs are to the community. We want to find a way to address the concerns while meeting our safety requirements."

Clubs learned of the lifeguard fee in January through an email from the city's supervisor of aquatic services, Shalyn Swan. She said the change covered all rentals, and that clubs would "notice staff assigned to guard" their pool use over the following weeks, at no cost to them, for the time being. 

"We will review as part of a management team in spring, and are aiming to have full coverage beginning in September," Swan writes in an email thread reviewed by CBC News.