Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) is currently looking for more than 10 lifeguards to fill positions at the Wānaka Recreation Centre (WRC) and Alpine Aqualand in Frankton.

The Frankton facility will close on weekends from February 18, something QLDC community services general manager Kenneth Bailey said was a “last resort”.

“Staff shortages are a nation-wide challenge and QLDC isn’t immune to that,” he said. 

At the WRC, QLDC is looking for both part-time and full-time workers.

“Anyone looking for work in a great environment who can swim 200 metres in six minutes [is encouraged] to apply,” Kenneth said.

The lifeguard shortage has been exacerbated by high school and university students completing holiday jobs and returning to their studies as well as the difficulty of sponsoring overseas workers, he said.

“There are some incredible benefits to being employed as a lifeguard,” Kenneth said. 

“You’re providing a valuable community service as well as gaining nationally recognised qualifications, free gym membership and a commitment from QLDC to your ongoing development.”

Recent staffing shortages have also affected the ability of QLDC’s waste contractor, Waste Management, to correctly process all recycling and rubbish in the past couple of months. 

See also: Nearly five tonnes of recycling dumped

The company currently has five vacant positions in Wānaka. 

Find more information about the positions at the Wānaka Recreation Centre and Waste Management here and here.

PHOTO: Supplied