Crowsnest Pass Community Pool revenue drops off significantly amid lifeguard shortage 

A widespread lifeguard shortage has cost Crowsnest Pass’s community pool dearly, council heard Nov. 29.

Revenues hit roughly $65,500 between January and September, less than half of earnings that had been projected to bring in $127,300, according to a municipal budget report.

The municipality announced in the fall that it would take over from the Crowsnest Pass Community Pool Society, which has long run Blairmore’s Pass Community Pool, citing the pool’s expanding user base and increasing operational complexities.

“The municipality wishes to thank the society for their dedicated service to the pool during this time, and we look forward to working with them in this new capacity,” the municipality wrote in a Sept. 29 press release.

Council addressed the revenue shortfall during a budget review at chambers Tuesday. 

“What happened to the pool?” Coun. Lisa Sygutek asked.

Couns. Dave Filipuzzi and Doreen Glavin, who represent council on the pool society, pointed to staff shortages and low season pass sales.