Edmontonians react to City Hall employing lifeguards for its fountain

Summer is in full force here in Edmonton – kids and adults alike are enjoying the fountain outside City Hall – and around the perimeter are yellow-suited lifeguards. But with water depths barely above ankle level, are the lifeguards really necessary?

We contacted Alberta Health – they tell us that no lifeguard is required, just signs advising that children must be supervised. But parents and a nanny we spoke with at the fountain are glad they’re there anyway.

“It’s a lot safer,” said one mom as her son ran through the fountain, “Because at any point, kids can – in two seconds – get themselves hurt, so it’s nice to have other eyes watching.”

Yellow-suited lifeguards can be seen at fountain outside City Hall. (Photo Credit: Sarah Chew)

Another mom carrying her toddler said, “I mean, they fall and hit their head and you never know what could happen, so it’s always good to have someone with a bit of medical training there. Even though it’s not too deep it’s still nice to have.”

A nanny with a stroller said, “As we were walking by when I saw the lifeguards, that’s when I felt safe actually about having her dip her toes in a little bit.”

In contrast, on Twitter, some Edmontonians said, “Isn’t that a bit too much?”

Another user said: “No wonder our property taxes are slated to go up 7 per cent next year.”

While another commented: “When they removed the wading pool there they made it shallower so they wouldn’t need to employ a lifeguard.”

Yellow-suited lifeguards can be seen at fountain outside City Hall. (Photo Credit: Sarah Chew)

The City of Edmonton tells CityNews in an emailed comment, “The City Hall Fountain is staffed during public use hours (i.e., anytime the water is turned on) for safety reasons.”

The City also announced a shorter pool season this year as a result of budget cuts approved in 2020. Most pools will be open by July 1st and be closed on August 31st like last year.

The mom carrying her young son expressed disappointment with the short pool season, saying, “I think if they would have extended it, it would have been better. But I understand – it is what it is.”

The nanny said the city should have more locations for water play, “because people simply can’t afford to drive to these lakes that sometimes are several hours away to enjoy a nice body of water.”

With a shortened pool season this year and seeing as your tax dollars are paying for a well-guarded fountain seems like the only thing for parents or kids to do is – wade in!