Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Baker Lake (July 25/01) - Swimming pool regulars in Baker Lake should finally have a reason to smile again by the weekend

The Baker Lake community swimming pool had to be shut down for about two weeks when it was discovered the hamlet had no certified lifeguard on duty at the pool.

Environmental health officer Wanda Poirier of Rankin Inlet was forced to issue the order to close the Baker pool when it came to her attention the pool operator was not certified.

Poirier says under the Public Health Act's swimming pool regulations, any public swimming pool in the country has to have a certified lifeguard on duty in order to operate.

"I phoned the pool in Baker to see how things were going and I asked the pool operator if he had his certification," explained Poirier.

"He didn't. So, unfortunately, I had to request they close the Baker swimming pool until they get somebody certified through the lifeguard course."

The matter was quickly brought to the attention of Tommy Bruce, the Department of Community Government and Transportation's senior recreation development officer.

Bruce arranged for Gwendolyn Thirwall of Rankin Inlet to travel to Baker Lake this week and deliver a recertification bronze medallion course for the swimming pool instructor and any other staff members interested in the course.

The course was scheduled to begin on Monday and conclude this Friday.

"Bronze medallion certification is good for a two-year period," says Bruce. "Then you have to get recertified or it expires and that's what happened in Baker. There's no reason why the swimming pool shouldn't be back in operation by this weekend."