The Vancouver park board has announced it will restore lifeguard service to most outdoor beaches this summer, reversing a previous decision to eliminate lifeguards at five locations. The move comes after public backlash and a unanimous vote by commissioners to reallocate funds originally designated for accessibility upgrades at Kensington pool.
Background of the Decision
In March, the park board had stated that lifeguards would be removed from five of the ten previously patrolled beaches—Spanish Banks East and West, Third Beach, Sunset Beach, and Trout Lake—as part of cost-cutting measures. This decision sparked significant public outcry, with approximately four dozen speakers addressing city council last month to support a motion providing the park board with an additional $600,000 to restore lifeguard services.
Council's Response and Reallocation
The motion, introduced by Councillor Pete Fry, was ultimately rejected as council directed the park board to find funds within its own budget. On Monday, park board commissioners unanimously approved a one-time allocation of $600,000 originally budgeted for accessibility upgrades at Kensington pool to be redirected toward lifeguard services.
“This was a difficult decision in the current fiscal environment but we need to make sure our beaches are safe,” said park board chair Tom Digby in a statement. “We have a long history of having excellent beach lifeguarding in Vancouver, and residents expect that.”
Exception for Trout Lake
Despite the restoration, Trout Lake will not have lifeguards this summer. The East Vancouver lake typically sees fewer swimmers and is frequently closed to swimming due to contamination issues. All other previously affected beaches will be staffed with lifeguards for the summer season.
The decision ensures that popular swimming spots like Spanish Banks, Third Beach, and Sunset Beach will have lifeguard coverage, addressing safety concerns raised by the community. The park board emphasized the importance of maintaining safety standards at public beaches, especially during peak summer months.
