Health and Community Services
June 1, 2016

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Health and Community Services:

Minister Announces New Regulations to Increase Access to Trained Lifeguards in Newfoundland and Labrador

Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to rise in this Honourable House today to announce changes to regulations that will provide operators of public swimming pools in our province with greater access to trained lifeguards.

Having lifeguards present on the pool deck to provide critical rescue and lifesaving services when they are needed is a key aspect of pool safety. As a government we are committed to ensuring the safety of recreational activities for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, and new amendments to the Public Pools Regulations reflect that commitment.

First, we have lowered the lifeguard minimum age from 17 to 16 years of age. Secondly, we have included the Red Cross Lifeguard program as an acceptable lifeguard certification program.

These changes come at the recommendation of Recreation Newfoundland and Labrador, the Lifesaving Society and the Canadian Red Cross. They are consistent with most other jurisdictions across the country.

The combined effect of these changes will provide public pool operators – especially those in rural areas – with access to an expanded number of qualified individuals for their facilities. The changes will also benefit young people being trained as lifeguards, as they will now be able to be employed as lifeguards a year earlier.

I am pleased to stand and highlight these amendments today. I am confident they will have a positive impact on communities throughout our province.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

2016 06 01                              2:30 p.m.