Dorothy Westerman
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Aug 08/03) - Territorial parks are not in the business of providing lifeguard service. That's the bottom line when it comes to the lack of lifeguards this year at the Fred Henne Territorial campground beach area.

Phil Lee, regional supervisor of the North Slave region for Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, said that up until this year the department had a contract with the city to provide lifeguards at the park.

However, for the first time in 12 years, the city was unable to provide lifeguard service to the popular beach area due to lack of qualified personnel.

Last week two 11-year-old girls rescued three young children at the Fred Henne beach after they plunged over their heads.

"It would be nice to have the services, but can we take on the role -- no," Lee said.

"We don't have the expertise in this and have never done it."

The public was made aware of the lack of service this year through signs around the area, he said.

The onus would be on the parents or those with the swimmer to ensure safety, he said. Lee said he hopes this year is an anomaly in the history of lifeguard service for the park.

Johanna Elliot, pool supervisor for the City of Yellowknife said the problem lies in the number of qualified lifeguards who returned this year.

"We didn't have the staff returning that usually return."

Elliot said the pool is being proactive in acquiring lifeguards through such programs as the Junior Lifeguard Club.