Staff shortages could be the reason Wyndham residents wanting to take a refreshing dip at the Werribee Outdoor Pool this summer could find themselves waiting in lines on arrival.
According to the latest Business Conditions and Sentiments data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, almost a third, (31 per cent) of employing businesses are having difficulty finding suitable staff. WynActive general manager aquatic facilities Barry Harrison believes a lack of staff is an industry issue, and not isolated to the Wyndham area or the west.
“Like most industries, WynActive has been experiencing staff shortages during the last 12 months and this has had a severe impact on the business including reducing the number of swim school classes,” Mr Harrison said.
“WynActive has employed over 200 new staff in the last 12 months but continues to struggle for lifeguards and swim teachers.
“We are doing everything possible to give all of our patrons the best experience over the summer months. We do ask for some patience as we train new staff and at times we struggle to fill all allocated shifts.”
The National Skills Commission allocated a shortage rating of ‘shortage’ for the swimming coaches oriInstructor rating on both a national and state level.
The impacts are already being experienced by pool visitors, who on the warm weekend of December 3 and 4, were subjected to a lockout, which Mr Harrison says is “not unusual on hot days”.
“On the weekend in question, we were faced with particularly difficult circumstances being hot and therefore busy,” he said.
“Several staff were also not available due to illness or private commitments, and many new staff were completing the required induction and shadow hours prior to beginning stand-alone shifts.
“The team worked tirelessly over the preceding week to ensure both facilities stayed open to the public, so that we could provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all patrons.”
The centre received support from residents online, with one Facebook user writing that she waited 45 minutes with six children, before getting into the pool and having “a great time”.
“Staff were very busy but awesome as always, not the end of the world,” she said.
