Wingecarribee Shire Council has called on members of the public to avert the staffing crisis by applying for jobs at local pools.

Council is re-advertising casual and temporary positions for kiosk assistants, pool supervisors, pool attendants and lifeguards after its first call for staff failed to attract enough suitable applicants to meet minimum safety standards.

Council received six applications for the 10 lifeguard positions, one application for the six full-time pool attendants positions, one application for the three supervisory positions, and 12 applications for four casual pool attendants position.

Wingecarribee’s short swimming season has always made if hard for council to find qualified candidates. In addition, some applicants such as university students are only available in holiday periods.

As well as re-advertising the positions, council has contacted swim clubs and water polo clubs, the Royal Life Saving Society of Australia, and other councils and private organisations.

Council is willing to provide training for selected staff if necessary. Council will employ a temporary technical officer to assist with water quality and plant operation during the coming season.

At Wednesday’s council meeting, Cr Phil Yeo called on members of the public to consider taking a job at the pool.

“We have got a crisis and we need help,” he said. “We have probably got a lot of retired people who have Bronze Medallions and that sort of thing.

“It’s the people who will take on supervisory roles that we are really short of.

“It is urgent we find these people because the pools are due to open very soon.”

Cr King suggested that mothers with school-aged children might be able to take casual or part-time work at the pools.