The operator of Newcastle's public swim centres is offering free training and a cash bonus to attract instructors.
BlueFit, which runs Newcastle council's pools at Lambton, Mayfield, Wallsend and Stockton, is offering the first 100 people who register to become swimming instructors free training in a nationally recognised qualification.
Training can start immediately with the course a mix of online theory and practical components.
Those who are successful will also receive a $200 bonus once they teach a learn-to-swim class.
BlueFit CEO Todd McHardy said the initiative aimed to attract 150 new instructors across Australia's east coast ahead of the 2021/22 swim season in order to cater for more than 3000 children registered on wait lists for swimming lessons.
"We needed to be creative in attracting new swim instructors as well as incentivise existing staff across our networks," he said.
"We know that the demand for swimming classes increases by approximately 30 per cent after each lockdown, and we estimate our learn-to-swim waitlist will spike to 4000 kids by summer."
Lambton pool is Newcastle's first swim centre to open after the winter break, but its opening next Monday is dependent on COVID-19 restrictions being eased.
Swim classes start in October. To register for the training, visit: bluefit.com.au/employment.
