Addressing lifeguard shortage in public swimming pools
Published on
22/10/2025
About this challenge
France
Challenge description
Saint-Quentin is facing a shortage of qualified swimming pool lifeguards. This situation impacts user safety, the delivery of compulsory swimming lessons for schoolchildren, and the development of aquatic activities for the general public.
To address this challenge, the city launched in 2024 a “Citizen Lifesaving Pathway” to support young people, job seekers and adults in professional reconversion in obtaining the National Lifesaving Certificate. Six participants graduated, and a new session will start in October 2025.
In 2025, the city also introduced an apprenticeship scheme to prepare professional lifeguards, combining training modules and immersion in local facilities. These initiatives aim to build a sustainable pool of qualified professionals and ensure the continuity of aquatic services.
To address this challenge, the city launched in 2024 a “Citizen Lifesaving Pathway” to support young people, job seekers and adults in professional reconversion in obtaining the National Lifesaving Certificate. Six participants graduated, and a new session will start in October 2025.
In 2025, the city also introduced an apprenticeship scheme to prepare professional lifeguards, combining training modules and immersion in local facilities. These initiatives aim to build a sustainable pool of qualified professionals and ensure the continuity of aquatic services.
This city is looking for
Saint-Quentin is facing a shortage of qualified swimming pool lifeguards, affecting user safety, swimming lessons for schools, and the development of public aquatic activities. The city seeks to exchange with European cities that have successfully addressed similar challenges, in order to learn innovative strategies for recruitment and retention, training pathways linking initial lifesaving certificates to full professional qualifications, and partnerships with training centres, sports associations, schools or employment agencies. We are particularly interested in approaches to manage seasonal demand and ensure workforce stability.
This exchange would provide practical experience and tested solutions to strengthen our local training programs, improve the attractiveness of the lifeguard profession, and ensure continuity and safety of public swimming pool services. Insights from peer cities would help us implement adapted and sustainable measures to guarantee long-term staffing and access to aquatic activities for all residents.
This exchange would provide practical experience and tested solutions to strengthen our local training programs, improve the attractiveness of the lifeguard profession, and ensure continuity and safety of public swimming pool services. Insights from peer cities would help us implement adapted and sustainable measures to guarantee long-term staffing and access to aquatic activities for all residents.
City size
Towns (< 50,000 inhabitants)
Author
Romain BRIET-PREVOT
France
European Cooperation Officer
City of Saint-Quentin (2995)
Looking for
