safeguarding essential services
A strong recreation and parks workforce is essential to healthy, connected communities. BCRPA advocates for coordinated workforce investments across the broader recreation and parks landscape that address staffing shortages and ensure vital programs and services, including swim-for-survival programs, remain accessible to all British Columbians.
RETAIN AND GROW
Across BC, workforce shortages are affecting the delivery of recreation, parks, fitness, and aquatics programs, with rural and remote communities often facing the greatest challenges. BCRPA advocates for coordinated investments that strengthen workforce resilience, support recruitment and retention, and ensure communities can continue to access the programs and services they rely on.
Pooling Benefits
Pools and aquatic centres are vital community spaces that support physical activity, mental well-being, and injury prevention. They’re where people of all ages have fun and learn to swim—a lifelong skill that saves lives.
BCRPA is advocating for expanded investments in BC’s aquatics workforce, including subsidized lifeguard and instructor training and wage supports for aquatic facilities. Building on the success of the National Safe Swimming Recovery Initiative, these proven investments would increase access to swim programs, strengthen community safety, and help ensure every British Columbian has the opportunity to learn vital water safety skills.
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