A MULTI-MILLION pound new swimming pool has opened, creating scores of new jobs at a holiday resort.
Butlin’s has unveiled new slides, rapids, a wave machine, and the world’s first helter skelter water ride at its swimming pool in Bognor.
The company is hoping to exploit the ‘staycation’ trend with families choosing to spend their holidays in Britain.
Construction work started on its seaside themed swimming pool called Splash in 2017, and has seen more than 1,000 workers on site.
This year, 55 new staff members are ready to go following the £40 million investment.
Butlin’s says the excitement over the new pool has led to a rise in bookings at the resort.
Butlin’s recruitment manager Amanda Southall said she hopes the new staff members will be helping to put smiles on the faces of guests this summer.
She said: “We’re thrilled to welcome more fantastic talent to our Bognor Regis resort.
“A considerable amount of care, consideration and training has been given to our new team to aid their long-term career progression with us and ensure our guest experience is the best it can possibly be.
“We very much look forward to opening the pool doors and unveiling the dedicated team.”
She said new recruits will include 39 new lifeguards, four gardeners, four pool cleaners, two receptionists, a pool photographer and five restaurant staff.
The team are enrolled in a Butlin’s coaching day, to give them training in hospitality from the company’s “unique approach”.
Meanwhile lifeguards complete a National Pool Lifeguard Qualification, which involves an intense two-week programme of lessons and assessments.
Ms Southall said five existing staff members have transferred to the pool, and said it “reinforces the company’s commitment” to boosting the skills of its workforce.
The helter skelter water ride stands at 7.4 metres and will go alongside other state-of-the-art facilities, including changing rooms with underfloor heating.
Butlin’s says the investment has led to a nine per cent increase in bookings year-on-year.
The company has a long tradition in the West Sussex seaside town.
Billy Butlin opened an amusement park in Bognor in 1932, similar to the one opened in Skegness. He also ran a zoo in the seaside town.
During the Second World War, the holiday camp in Bognor was used as a shooting range.
In 1959, Butlin agreed a deal with Bognor Regis Town Council for a 39-acre site at the east promenade.
The park then opened in 1960. Despite a downturn in the 1980s for the company, there are a growing number of families choosing the Sussex resort.
In the 1990s the Skyline Pavilion was opened at the resort by Boyzone popstar Ronan Keating, allowing year-round activities inside.
For more information about jobs visit www.butlinscareers.co.uk.
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