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No lifeguards at Arbutus Park in Youbou

Recruitment efforts unsuccessful
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Families living around Cowichan Lake, and even those who travel to the area for recreation take note: there are no lifeguards at Arbutus Park in Youbou this year.

For years Arbutus Park has been the go-to spot for outdoor summer swimming lessons and general swimming fun.

“Due to the unsuccessful recruitment of lifeguards and water safety instructors, Cowichan Lake Recreation will not be providing a lifeguard service this summer,” confirmed CVRD spokesperson Kris Schumacher. He said those using the park this summer do so at their own risk and they should take note of the posted signage.

“Like many other organizations and local governments in British Columbia, the CVRD has been challenged in recruiting qualified lifeguards and water safety instructors,” he said. “We are still actively recruiting for water safety instructors in the hope that we can still offer swimming lessons at some point, and will inform the community if this becomes an option later this summer.”

Staff at Cowichan Lake Recreation said they’re doing everything they can to get lifeguards for the upcoming Youbou Regatta.