The union representing lifeguards working for the City of Vancouver has launched a petition asking the park board to overturn its decision to remove lifeguards from five of the city’s 10 beaches this summer. In March, CTV News reported that the Vancouver Park Board revealed it would be removing lifeguards at Spanish Banks East and West, Third Beach, Sunset Beach and Trout Lake. The board cited budget constraints, and added this would save an estimated $400,000 to $600,000. On Tuesday, CUPE Local 1004 launched a petition asking Vancouverites for support. “Removing lifeguards increases risks for everyone at some of the busiest beaches in the region,” the petition said. Analise Hofmann, an outdoor lifeguard and CUPE 1004 representative said the union is worried about public safety. “That means slower response times when seconds matter,” Hofmann said. “Lifeguards don’t just respond to emergencies, they prevent these emergencies often.” ‘Critical one to guard’ Hofman said at Third Beach, there are dangerous features such as steep drop-off zones. “There are thousands of people going past on their bikes, running, stopping to enjoy the view,” she said. “And that beach is a very critical one to guard.” Hofman shared the union is also worried the park board’s decision will result in a loss of lifeguards due to job uncertainty this summer. “It’s really important for us that we get our funding back, and that we are able to tell our staff that there are hours for you in this job, and we want there to be more hours,” she said. ‘Not the season to pull lifeguards’ The move comes ahead of Vancouver hosting the FIFA World Cup, which is projected to draw hundreds of thousands of people to the city. Tom Digby, a park board commissioner with the Green Party, said due to this influx of visitors and extended beach hours, staff’s recommendation needs to be reviewed. “This is not the season to pull lifeguards off the beach,” he said. Angela Kate Haer, an ABC commissioner, said she also had concerns. “Safety is most important here in the city of Vancouver,” she said. “And making sure that all of our beaches, including pools too, are well staffed with lifeguards.” Urgent motion to restore funding CTV News has learned that at Tuesday evening’s park board meeting, Commissioner Scott Jensen will be tabling an urgent motion asking the city to fund up to $600,000 for lifeguards this year.
