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Lifeguards: dream job or lightning rod?

Lifeguards have a wide range of responsibilities.(Bild: Martin A. Jöchl)

Swim lifeguards are desperately needed in many places across Upper Austria, and the “OÖ-Krone” knows what the job entails. After all, it’s not just about the safety of swimmers. Following the brutal attack in Perg, the local lifeguard remains on sick leave.

They usually only come into the spotlight when people are in danger of drowning. Yet their scope of responsibilities is far broader: Lifeguards not only ensure the safety of swimmers but are also responsible for water quality and building systems. Recently, however, this profession has made headlines on multiple occasions.

Jumped Over the Turnstile
A case that occurred in mid-May at the Perg outdoor pool caused quite a stir: A 14-year-old is said to have beaten the local lifeguard (68) with his fists, sending him to the hospital, and threatened him. Prior to that, the boy—who was barred from entering the facility—had simply jumped over the turnstile at the entrance. The situation was completely different last summer at the Steyr outdoor pool.

Training and Pay

•  “Pool attendants” are trained in courses offered by institutions such as WIFI. The training ranges from lifeguard duties for small facilities to pool manager responsibilities for large facilities.
• In addition to pool hygiene and water treatment, the curriculum also covers communication and complaint management.
• Prospective candidates must have completed at least a 16-hour first aid course and hold a first aid certification.
• Most lifeguards are employed by local municipalities. Pay is based on the Upper Austrian Municipal Pay Scale Regulation. 

A video showing almost unbelievable scenes circulated on social media: A lifeguard kicked a swimmer off the diving platform. This case ultimately even ended up in court. Although the defendant was acquitted of the charge of coercion, his employment was terminated by mutual agreement.

Outdoor Pool Must Remain Closed
Meanwhile, lifeguards are in demand in many places, and several swimming facilities have even had to call off their search without success. Lochen am See and Schönau/Mühlkreis started the season without permanent lifeguard supervision, while the outdoor pool in Obernberg/Inn remains closed. The lifeguard there is out on sick leave, and no replacement has been found. “But interested candidates can contact the municipal office,” says Mayor Martin Bruckbauer (BOMB). Lifeguards are usually employed by the municipalities, and their salaries are based on the Upper Austrian Municipal Pay Scale Regulation.

A union member criticizes this in a relevant magazine: “Being on your feet all day in temperatures sometimes exceeding 30 degrees—that’s something you have to be able to endure—plus weekend and holiday shifts. You can’t be afraid of conflict either, because not all swimmers are pleasant.” Fair pay is demanded, “otherwise we’ll soon run out of staff.”