Ontario’s fastest lifeguard fired, then rehired by YMCA
Posted August 31, 2017 4:33 pm.
Last Updated August 31, 2017 7:37 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
A beloved lifeguard and aqua-fit instructor was back at work on Thursday after an outpouring of community support forced a Waterdown, Ont., YMCA to rehire him.
Several viewers reached out to CityNews on Wednesday, saying the instructor — who calls himself Jessey the Elf — was fired without just cause.
Jessey was accused by the YMCA of soliciting funds from YMCA members to go to the 2017 Canadian Surf Lifesaving Championships in Halifax.
But members said this wasn’t the case.
They said they independently decided to raise funds so he could head to Halifax and participate in the championship.
Jessey, who is a triathlete, also hopes to make it to the 2020 Olympics in Japan. He loves Christmas so much he legally changed his name to Jessey Elf, he races in an elf hat and also has Christmas decorations up in his home year-round.
Responding to the public pressure, the YMCA said Jessey has been rehired and they will speak with members about how to properly raise funds.
Jessey said he wants a public apology from the YMCA for their actions.
This is a corrected story. A previous version incorrectly stated the YMCA was in Waterford.
