Lifeguards protest over 'safety risks'

Lifeguards at Hull leisure centres have staged a second protest over "safety risks" concerning unpaid breaks.

Organised by the GMB Union, Hull Culture & Leisure (HCAL) workers held a demonstration outside Hull Guildhall on Thursday.

The union said the staff had "serious health and safety concerns" over HCAL's new policies, including enforced unpaid breaks for lifeguards, leaving swimmers without qualified supervision.

A spokesperson from HCAL said "customer safety is our priority" and it would "continue to comply with the national guidelines in respect of lifeguarding".

Hull leisure centre workers previously went on strike in July last year over the same issue.

Liz Marshall, GMB organiser, said pools require one lifeguard keeping an eye on the swimmers and one or two other staff members on hand in case of a fire.

Due to the 30-minute unpaid breaks, she said staff were able to leave the leisure centres which "puts the safety of Hull's leisure centre users at significant risk."

She said the union would look at taking further strike action if HCAL "do not get rid of unpaid breaks".

Ms Marshall said: "This move has been deemed unacceptable by the workers and customers alike, who fear it compromises swimming safety.

"We will continue to campaign and lobby the council until this matter is put right and paid breaks are reintroduced."

A spokesperson from HCAL said changes to staff rotas "do not mean any change to the current lifeguarding provision" in pools it operates and it would "continue to comply with the national guidelines in respect of lifeguarding".

They said: "Customer safety is our priority.

"For fairness, consistency across the company and staff wellbeing, and after a period of consultation with staff and trade unions, we have introduced changes to leisure services staff rotas where applicable.

"This also ensures the company is complying with current legislation."

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