Swimmers go off deep end over lifeguards’ ‘sick leave’

Apr 22, 2014

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The public swimming pool in Victoria Park was forced to close for several hours yesterday morning when eight of its 11 lifeguards took sick leave.
The closure left scores of swimmers fuming, with the pool only reopening in the afternoon when a sufficient number of lifeguards reported for duty.

The lifeguards were believed to be protesting the Leisure and Cultural Services Department’s refusal to listen to their demands to increase manpower at Victoria Park and other public pools.

The action began with three lifeguards taking sick leave, leaving only eight working at the pool.

Since the complex requires at least nine lifeguards to be on duty, the department closed a multipurpose pool, but left the main pool open.

Around 10.15am, five more lifeguards went off sick, forcing the department to close the main pool.

Photo by MichaelTyler