Motion calls for Vancouver council to restore lifeguard funding

A motion going before Vancouver council this week calls on officials to restore lifeguard service that was cut amid pressure from the city’s “Zero Means Zero” budget.

The proposal would have staff allocate up to $600,000 to ensure seasonal lifeguards at Spanish Banks, Sunset Beach and Third Beach this summer.

The motion—which is being put forward by Coun. Pete Fry at Wednesday’s meeting—describes the funding as a “modest investment” relative to the public safety benefits.

Mayor Ken Sim and members of his ABC party voted to freeze property taxes heading into an election year, but said the “Zero Means Zero” budget framework for 2026 would maintain core services. Fry’s motion argues that “access to safe, supervised beaches” constitutes a core service in the city.

• Related: Cutting seasonal lifeguards on beaches will save up to $600K, Vancouver Park Board says

The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation previously said cutting lifeguard service was among the “difficult decisions” being made due to the city’s budgetary constraints—but that lifeguards would still be working this summer at some of the busiest beaches, including Kitsilano, Jericho, Locarno, English Bay and Second Beach.

Last month, commissioners voted unanimously to request that the city provide funding to maintain service at the other beaches as well.

The union representing Vancouver’s lifeguards has also launched a petition urging officials to reverse course.

“Removing lifeguards increases risks for everyone,” it reads. “Vancouver residents shouldn’t have to choose between affordability and safety.”

The petition had gathered more than 2,800 signatures as of Monday.

With files from CTV News Vancouver’s Isabella Zavarise