This summer, the Town of Riverview is making it easier than ever for people to launch a career in aquatics by offering free lifeguarding courses to eligible community members.
The initiative comes at a pivotal time for the town, as Riverview looks to grow its roster of certified lifeguards and swim instructors ahead of what promises to be an exciting period of recreational expansion.
“Our goal is to increase the number of lifeguards in our community, and removing the financial barrier is one way we can do that,” said David Shea of the Town of Riverview. “We want to make sure that cost is never the reason someone doesn’t pursue a career on the pool deck.”
The sentiment is echoed by the Lifesaving Society New Brunswick, which oversees lifeguarding standards across our region.
“Becoming a lifeguard requires rigorous, high-quality training to be prepared to respond as expert rescuers,” said Grégoire Cormier, Program Manager, Lifesaving Society New Brunswick.
“Lifeguards are truly the backbone of safe aquatic spaces in our communities, and we’re proud to see the Town of Riverview taking this meaningful step to invest in that pipeline. This is exactly the kind of community leadership that saves lives.”
A career that starts in the pool
For those who’ve already walked that path, the rewards go well beyond a paycheque.
Hadlee Bullerwell has been a part-time lifeguard at the Riverview pool for over five years, juggling shifts on the deck with her studies at NBCC Moncton.
“It has been the perfect part-time job,” said Bullerwell. “I’ve been able to continue teaching swimming lessons and lifeguarding while I go to school because it’s flexible, it’s meaningful, and it’s a skill I’ll carry with me for life.”
Stories like Hadlee’s are exactly what the town hopes to inspire in the next generation of aquatic staff.
Are you the right candidate?
These courses are designed for motivated swimmers who are ready to take on real responsibility. Ideal candidates:
- Have a passion for swimming and can swim up to 12 minutes of continuous laps
- Demonstrate awareness of core strokes — front crawl, back crawl, and breaststroke
- Are 13 years of age or older, or have completed their Bronze Star
Looking ahead
The timing of this initiative is no coincidence. As the Town of Riverview works toward the opening of the new Riverview Recreation Centre – anticipated for Spring/Summer 2027 – the need for a strong, certified aquatics team is very much on the horizon. By building that workforce now, the Town hopes it can meet growing community demand for programming, lessons, and safe recreational swimming from day one.
How to register
Registration opens May 28 at 10 a.m. Spots are limited, so set a reminder now if you or your child is interested.
For questions, contact the aquatics team at swim@townofriverview.ca.
