LIFEGUARDS and swimming instructors look set for the axe at a Times Territory swimming pool.

The belt-tightening move, at Hatfield Swim Centre, has raised safety fears and has led to a disabled club losing its exclusive access to the pool.

Swimming instructor Gary Strachan told the WHT: “They’re cutting back already.

“I work for other companies but to keep our jobs we have to be exclusive to them, which is a bit wrong. They want loyalty.”

He added: “We have to re-apply for the jobs and they’re going to cut jobs as well.

“I’m gutted because I love working with children.”

He also revealed that the Platypus Club for the Handicapped, which enjoyed sole access to the pool on Sunday mornings, now had to share with the public.

Mr Strachan said operator Finesse Leisure had put a 10-day consultation period in place and that interviews for the jobs were due to take place on November 8 and 9.

Stuart Trower, the organisation’s director of operations, said: “In order to continually improve the quality and efficiency of services we provide Finesse will be reviewing and potentially reorganising several of our teams during the next few weeks.

He added: “Unfortunately misinformation and rumour can often flourish during such times.

“Please be assured that our high standards of customer service will not be affected.”