The final step of registering lifeguards was delayed and it is understood at one point many were not recognised as being current on the New Zealand Register of Recreation Professionals.
This had since been remedied and no lifeguards had been on duty without appropriate training, the Dunedin City Council said.
Council aquatics manager Heath Ellis said lifeguards received continuous training at monthly sessions and these had continued without interruption.
A trainer delivering skills sessions was required to complete re-registration forms, formally confirming each lifeguard had received their training.
"Unfortunately, due to staff turnover within the trainer role, we did experience some delays completing this certification process in 2022," Mr Ellis said.
"This has since been rectified.
"This was purely an administrative hiccup with paperwork not being returned and there has never been any public safety risk."
Mr Ellis said the problem was brought to the service’s attention in the weeks before Christmas and most cases were resolved within two days.
"The delays only affected some of our lifeguards, not all of them, and at different times depending on when they were due for re-registration.
"At no time were all of our lifeguards without registration."
The Otago Daily Times has been told by a well-placed source the episode damaged morale in an environment where retaining lifeguards can be challenging.
Lifeguards had been leaving, and pool management had to scramble to sort out the qualifications situation, he said.
Mr Ellis said the service was experiencing a shortage of lifeguards, reflecting a national shortage and the seasonal nature of the job for many young people.
"It is not a reflection of staff morale, and we are actively recruiting new lifeguards."
Qualification of lifeguards at Dunedin facilities such as Moana Pool is overseen by Te Mahi Ako, which is part of the Skills Active Aotearoa Group.
The certification process was designed to assess a lifeguard’s knowledge, skills and abilities to perform their duties effectively and efficiently in emergency situations, Skills Active chief executive and Te Mahi Ako interim chief executive Maren Frerichs said.
It covered topics such as water safety, rescue techniques, first aid and CPR, and emergency response procedures.
Police checks were part of the employment process and there were declarations about being a "fit and proper person" in the qualification or re-registration process.
Ms Frerichs said having lifeguards on duty with current qualifications was important for public safety.
"Appropriate training and qualification are critical for the safety of Kiwis, providing peace of mind that they can perform their duties safely," she said.
"While registration lapsed in this case, the training was being completed to the national standard. The lifeguards have been registered and are now recognised as being current on the national register."
