New life guards on deck this summer

Published on 01 December 2023

Lifeguards from the City of Launceston Leisure & Aquatic Centre are set to patrol two of the city's popular free swimming spots this summer.

Starting tomorrow, lifeguards will patrol the First Basin Swimming Pool between 11am and 4pm each Saturday and Sunday.

The Lilydale Swimming Pool will open to the public next Friday, December 8, with lifeguards on duty between 3pm and 6pm each weekday and between 2pm and 6pm on weekends and public holidays, except Christmas Day.

From Friday, December 22 lifeguards will supervise the First Basin pool each day, except Christmas Day, until the end of the school holidays.

City of Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood said the lifeguard patrols were an important service provided to the community.

"Our lifeguards do an awesome job each summer to keep people safe, and it's important we follow any directions they give and to be considerate of others when using our pools," Mayor Garwood said.

"With temperatures rising, we've seen strong visitation at the Launceston Leisure & Aquatic Centre and the First Basin pool in recent weeks, and it's been all hands on deck undertaking the final maintenance works to open the Lilydale Swimming Pool to the public next week.

"Earlier this year the Council completed a $300,000 upgrade of the Lilydale Swimming Pool's heating system, installing two energy efficient 60-kilowatt heat pumps at the facility which we think is going to be a really popular addition and make the pool a more pleasant place to be.

"This year, we've also installed the town's first public 22kw electric vehicle charging station, a new playspace at the front of the pool and a new BMX dirt jump track at the rear of the Lilydale Football Ground on Doaks Road."

Mayor Garwood said the Council had employed seven new lifeguards to help patrol Launceston's pools this summer.

"The represents a significant investment by the City of Launceston to kick-start the careers of a new generation of lifeguards in Northern Tasmania," Mayor Garwood said.

"We're really pleased to be able to offer these opportunities, which allow our new lifeguards to gain real experience and training while working alongside some of the most skilled lifeguards in the State.

"That expanded roster of lifeguards is a key component in our ability to stand up daily patrols at Lilydale and the First Basin over summer.

"It's important to remember that no matter where you're swimming you should be conscious of your safety and the safety of those around you at all times.

"Remember to keep children six years and under within reach, and actively supervise children under eleven.

"Follow instructions from our lifeguards who are working to keep everyone safe, and be respectful to other pool users.

"It's shaping up to be a great summer, so please be responsible in the water and make this summer one to remember for all the right reasons."