Waves Fitness and Aquatic Centre, Baulkham Hills: Council looking for more lifeguards, staff

After years of waiting, The Hills has a new state-of-the-art swimming complex and fitness centre open for business. But there is a need for more lifeguards and staff to keep the facility operating.

The Hills’ new state-of-the-art fitness and aquatic centre is officially open for business — but there is one catch. A need for more lifeguards and staff to keep the centre safe and running at full capacity.

After years of anticipation, The Hills community recently celebrated the opening of the Waves Fitness and Aquatic Centre at Baulkham Hills.

The new complex boasts two outdoor and two indoor swimming pools, the latest Technogym equipment, fitness classes, a sauna, a steam room, a spa, and a cafe.

In a Facebook statement on Saturday, Hills mayor Dr Peter Gangemi said he was thrilled to see so many residents already swimming in the pools, trying out the gym equipment and enjoying the water play area.

“All 200,000 residents of The Hills contributed to the delivery of the Waves Fitness and Aquatic Centre and it (was) so great to be able to hold this free open day for the community to say thank you,” Mayor Gangemi said.

Waves Fitness and Aquatic Centre in Baulkham Hills has officially opened its doors.

Waves has both outdoor and indoor swimming pools.

“(Waves) is the highest quality aquatic facility in The Hills and one of the highest quality aquatic facilities in all of Sydney — and from speaking to our residents today it has been worth the wait.”

However, council posted on Facebook that help was needed to keep the centre running at full capacity — particularly as the weather heats up and more people look forward to days by the poolside.

Some of the new fitness equipment at Waves’ gym.

There are also outdoor play areas.

“Safety at the centre can never be compromised and we are currently recruiting and training staff, including swimming instructors, lifeguards and senior lifeguards,” the council posed on Facebook.

“We will need to ensure adequate lifeguarding staffing levels across pool areas before the centre can reach full capacity, and this is a key challenge the aquatic industry is experiencing both locally and across the world.”

Right now, with the current staffing shortages, the opening times pf each of the pools will vary as well as swimming class capacity.

“(The) outdoor 50m pool and 25m pool, the indoor 25m lap pool and leisure pool, and the splash pad all will open and close at variable times based on lifeguard staffing availability,” council posted on social media.

“While this is not ideal, we are expecting this to be an interim measure while we continue to recruit lifeguard and swim class staff.”

For those interested in working at the centre — either as a lifeguard or swim instructor — there are a number of current vacancies advertised online.