Update
GEORGE NEWS - Lifeguards in George have a spring in their step after wage negotiations last week Friday.
The new basic pay rate of R300 per day is R50 more than the previous offer, which at R250 was in fact the lowest offer in eight years.
A lifeguard who previously expressed his bitter disappointment in the first wage offer, sent the following text with a heartfelt emoji after the negotiations: "Super happy and excited for the season."
New pay rate
A public outcry ensued on social media when it came to light what other municipalities pay their lifeguards, in comparison to those in George. Even with the wage adjustment, many felt it was just not enough.
However, when you add up all the extras - overtime payment; double pay on public holidays, Saturdays and Sundays - lifeguards in George will earn well over R300 for a 12-hour shift per day. The wage adjustment and extras thus put the lifeguards' wages in another light.
A new advertisement was issued last week, to accommodate the adjusted amount and provide an opportunity for more people to apply and hopefully ensure more lifeguards on the beaches. The closing date was yesterday, Wednesday 7 December.
Detailed breakdown
The daily remuneration for lifeguards calculated on an 8-hour shift is R300 (R37,50 per hour). Should the lifeguard work a 07:00 to 19:00 shift (12 hours), each will earn a daily average of about R458,70.
Overtime will be applicable only when a lifeguard exceeds 40 hours.
The average daily salary for lifeguards on a Sunday or a public holiday will be about R900 (if a full shift of 12 hours is worked). The hourly rate for overtime will be about R56.
Lifeguards deployed
The municipality confirmed that all seven beach points, including the public swimming pools, are now ready for operation.
Lifeguards have been deployed at Victoria Bay, Herold's Bay and Wilderness beaches since last Friday.
Other beaches will be covered as and when required, in terms of the expected number of people on the beaches.
All the Pilot Blue Flag beaches will have a minimum of four lifeguards, which will increase as required by weather and estimated expected numbers of beachgoers per day.
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