In March, the park board said lifeguards were going to be removed from five of 10 patrolled beaches — Spanish Banks East and West, Third Beach, Sunset Beach, and Trout Lake — in an effort to cut costs.

News of the initial lifeguard staffing reduction sparked public outcry and drew the attention of singer Peter Gabriel, who shared how lifeguards saved his life when he got caught in a riptide windsurfing in Spanish Banks in 1983.

Last month, Coun. Pete Fry introduced a motion at city hall to fulfil the park board’s request, but council rejected the motion and asked the park board to find the money within its own budget.

Digby said it was a difficult decision, but noted that a renewal of Kensington pool was a priority for the park board and Mayor Ken Sim, who had identified the 48-year-old facility as a key project in council’s $400-million, four year plan to rebuild or renovate five aging community centres.

“It made sense rather than spend the money this year then do a rebuild three years from now, we can defer that and when we do get a new pool we can take care of the whole issue,” said Digby.

With stricter water restrictions expected later this summer, Digby said it’s difficult to maintain water quality in the lake. The beach itself is also hard to keep clean due to goose activity.

“With this essential service in place, Vancouverites and visitors can more confidently enjoy the outdoors this summer, knowing trained professional lifeguards are available to welcome beachgoers, promote safe behaviours, de-escalate situations and act quickly when lives are at stake,” said Lenea Grace, executive director of the society’s B.C. and Yukon branch, in a statement.