A shortage of lifeguards means Nelson’s Gyro Park pool will not open to the public this summer.
The Regional District of Central Kootenay announced Thursday it cannot find the number of qualified lifeguards it needs to operate the pool.
“Public safety is our No. 1 priority and unfortunately, without adequate experienced staff, we cannot operate Gyro Park pool safely,” said Joe Chirico, RDCK general manager of community services, in a statement.
“We know this is disappointing news, because families will not be able to enjoy swim by donation at the pool this summer.”
Chirico added the indoor pool at the Nelson and District Community Complex as well as the Lions Park spray pad will remain open.
It will be the third straight summer the Gyro Park pool, which is made available for children ages 12 and younger, will be closed.
The pool is run by the City of Nelson, but lifeguards are provided by the RDCK. The COVID-19 pandemic forced the pool’s closure in 2020 and 2021, which the regional district says led to lifeguard training and certificate programs being put on hold.
The RDCK added it will revisit the decision to close Gyro Park’s pool if it can find lifeguards this summer.
The RDCK also announced the annual closure of a section of the Nelson-Salmo Great Northern Trail is being extended from June 15 to June 25 due to bear activity. The section closed is located south of Cottonwood Lake parking to Hall Siding.