The Pool in Lionel currently has 2 vacant Lifeguard roles. Staffing has been provided on a relief basis by lifeguards who usually work at the ISL or Shawbost pools, due to the lack of trained staff who live in the Ness community.

It is hoped that by running a course specifically targeted at training new Lifeguards in the community of Ness that there will be a reduction in staff-related closures of the pool.

Facilities Operations Manager at ISL, Michael Stone said, 

“We are delighted to be in a position to offer this RLSS Lifeguard Training course to the community of Ness and I would encourage anyone in the area who wants to help support a fantastic community resource to sign-up to the training. Not only will you be learning vital lifesaving skills, you will also be helping to maintain access to the swimming pool for the community and visitors through contracted or relief work at the pool.”

“Unfortunately there have been staff-related pool closures from time to time and while we always do our utmost to staff the pool it is sometimes just not possible – having more trained staff who live in the area would help us out enormously in keeping the pool safely staffed and open more consistently.”

The course will run from 9am-5pm between Monday 28th April and Friday 2nd May – with 3 days taking place in Lionel and the other 2 days taking place at ISL, due to some of the practical course elements requiring skills to be tested in a full-length pool and in deeper water. The service hope that in offering the 3 days of the course in Lionel, that this will remove a barrier to accessing the training for people who live in the Ness area.  

The cost of the course is £250, however there may be financial assistance available and there would be contracted and relief work available to anyone who obtains their National Pool Lifeguard Qualification.

For anyone wishing to register their interest, or to find out any more information please contact ISLadminteam@cne-siar.gov.uk