Lifesaving Society Awarded Contract
Tony Martin, deputy head of the Nova Scotia Sport and Recreation Commission, announced today that the Lifesaving Society - Nova Scotia Branch - has been contracted to provide the Nova Scotia Lifeguard Service for the next five years.
"For the commission, partnering with the Lifesaving Society ensures delivery of top-quality lifeguard service in the province," said Mr. Martin. "The society has established a reputation of being the lifeguarding experts in Canada."
The Lifesaving Society will provide training for more than 50 lifeguards and area supervisors who will be responsible for supervising 19 beaches in Nova Scotia for nine weeks during the summer, beginning July 1. Each year, between 250,000 and 500,000 people visit supervised beaches.
"This is a natural fit for our organization," said Max Chauvin, president of the Lifesaving Society - Nova Scotia Branch. "Apart from training lifeguards, we also see this as an opportunity to expand the junior lifeguard program provincewide, and provide improved risk management and safety services."
By expanding the junior lifeguard program, the Lifesaving Society intends to make this service more provincial in scope, and integrate beach and pool sites. The society will also offer advanced training and support at the community level by employing N.S. lifeguards and supervisors as an integral part of the delivery system.
Additionally, in the area of risk management, the society will encourage aquatic facility audits, and will provide in-service training as required.
"As a well-established organization, the Lifesaving Society has many highly qualified and experienced staff and volunteers, who will be a great asset in further nurturing the NSLS, and in maintaining standards," said Mr. Martin.
The Sport and Recreation Commission provides policies, programs, and services that maintain, enhance and create quality sport, recreation, and fitness opportunities which improve health and contribute to the social and economic well-being of all Nova Scotians.