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Since the beginning of this year, it has been possible to work as a rescuer via the flexi-job system. The federal government decided this and was recently published in the Belgian Official Gazette. According to the swimming pool sector, this measure offers a solution to the persistent shortage of lifeguards.
Source: BELGA
Friday January 12, 2024 at 6:45 AM
With the extension of the flexi-job statute, the swimming pool sector hopes to find sufficient saviors again and avoid forced closures. The demand from physical education teachers to work as a lifeguard during the holiday periods, exams and weekends was high, says Diether Thielemans, director of LAGO swimming pools.
The influx of flexi-job workers in the swimming sector also gives school swimming a new impetus. Anyone who has a lifesaving swimming diploma will now also be able to teach children to swim.
Thielemans only sees advantages in the decision. “It is fiscally interesting for the flexi-job worker and swimming pools are helped out,” he says. “In addition, more lifeguards will be available to teach children the correct technique, both privately and during school hours. This will improve the general swimming level of children.”
Alarm bell
Rescuer has been a shortage profession in our country for more than ten years. Combined with the impact of the corona and energy crisis, the sector, together with Catholic education and research groups from KU Leuven and VUB, sounded the alarm last year. An open letter entitled ‘Save swimming’ advocated sufficient lifeguards and affordable entrance fees to swimming pools.
Through the flexi-job system, retirees and people who work at least four-fifths can work extra jobs without paying taxes or social security contributions. The employer pays a reduced rate. Initially it only applied to the catering industry, but the system has since been expanded to other sectors. On January 1, a number of new sectors were added where flexible jobs are possible.