As the weather begins to warm up, aquatic centres across Western Australia know what comes next – increased patronage, busier programs and the annual search for additional staff.

The challenge is that every facility is looking for lifeguards, swim teachers and qualified operators at the same time. Waiting until spring to start recruiting and training often means competing for a limited pool of qualified candidates. The centres that are best prepared for summer are the ones investing in their workforce now.

Your best future employees are already walking through your doors

One of the greatest advantages aquatic centres have is that many of their future employees are already part of their community.

Every day, facilities welcome people who already know the centre, understand the environment and have a genuine connection to aquatics. These include:

• Squad swimmers
• Regular recreational users
• Parents looking for casual, flexible or school-hours employment
• Community members considering a career change

These individuals are often ideal candidates because they already have a relationship with your facility. They know your culture, your staff and your community, making the transition into employment far smoother than recruiting someone with no prior connection.

For many, all they need is the right opportunity and the right training.

Beat the Spring recruitment rush

Across Western Australia, demand for qualified lifeguards and swim teachers increases dramatically as spring approaches. Facilities begin expanding operating hours, swim schools prepare for their busiest period, and seasonal recruitment ramps up.

Training staff now means they can be qualified, confident and ready to work when demand peaks, rather than scrambling to complete courses just before summer.

Royal Life Saving WA offers nationally recognised training to prepare new staff for these essential roles:

• Pool Lifeguard Course (2 Days)
• Swim Teacher Course (2 Days)

By identifying potential staff early and supporting them through training, facilities can build a stronger, more reliable workforce before the busy season arrives.

Invest in your existing team

Recruiting new staff is only part of workforce planning. Developing your current employees is just as important.

For many experienced lifeguards and aquatic staff, the natural next career step is becoming an Aquatic Technical Operator. These professionals play a vital role in ensuring facilities operate safely, efficiently and in compliance with industry standards.

Supporting staff to progress into technical operations not only strengthens your workforce but also creates valuable career pathways that help retain experienced employees.

Build your workforce before summer arrives

Every aquatic facility will be searching for qualified staff over the coming months. The difference is whether you're recruiting from scratch or already have trained, engaged people ready to step into your team.

Look around your facility. Your next lifeguard could be swimming laps before work. Your next swim teacher might already be bringing their children to lessons. Your next Aquatic Technical Operator could be one of your current lifeguards looking for the next stage of their career.

The time to build your summer workforce isn't when the temperatures rise—it's now.

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