Jobs boost for Tower Hamlets as recruitment campaign for new lifeguards and swimming teachers launches

Better - London’s largest swimming pool operator - is teaming up with Tower Hamlets Council to encourage residents to train as lifeguards and swimming teachers as part of the re-opening of Tiller Leisure Centre in January 2022.

Better is the customer brand of charitable social enterprise GLL and as part of its community remit it has stepped in to fully fund the cost of National Pool Lifeguard Qualifications (NPLQ) and swim teaching courses for Tower Hamlets residents. Typically courses cost in excess of £375 per person.  With over 20 funded spaces up for grabs until the end of December, Better are expecting strong interest in the campaign.

Currently there is a national shortage of lifeguards and swimming teachers, with 20 per cent of positions unfilled.  Better hopes that Tower Hamlets’ public swimming facilities can buck this trend and encourage a new wave of local people to apply, providing a welcome boost to employment in the borough.

General Manager at Tiller Leisure Centre, Karen, comments: ‘Of course a good level of fitness and swimming ability is key, but we currently employ lifeguards and swimming teachers of all ages from their late teens to those aged 70 years and older.

“It can be a stepping stone to a career pathway within the leisure industry, or offer flexible working hours that are ideal for working parents or the semi-retired, who are perhaps looking to supplement a pension.”

Mayor of Tower Hamlets, John Biggs, said: “With the excitement of Tiller Leisure Centre reopening its doors in January, it’s great that we’re able to work with Better to increase local access to the employment prospects this provides. I hope our residents will take advantage of this free training and potential job opportunity.”

Alex, a current lifeguard at Tiller Leisure Centre adds: “Working as a lifeguard means you really learn about the leisure industry first hand and as you progress up the levels that experience will be invaluable.  Working for Better is great, because if they see you are interested and ambitious they will push you and offer more opportunities.”

Commenting on the campaign, Colette Lyons, Head of People at Better said: “We’re particularly keen to raise awareness amongst people who may not have previously considered becoming swimming teachers and lifeguards.  It is the ideal job for those looking for flexible working, for example parents who want to fit working hours around the school day, or the active retired or students.”

For further information and to apply, visit www.better.org.uk/jobs

Or for an informal conversation on job opportunities and funded courses please email Tiller@gll.org