Red Cross set to dive in to lifeguard classes
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?If they want to be lifeguards next summer,? said Parks and Recreation director Carlene Brown, ?they can get a jump on everyone else by taking this class.?
This summer will be the last summer for several lifeguards at the pool, according to Brown, as they will be graduating college and going into their respective careers.
?Taking this class will give them the first opportunity for those prime positions,? said Brown. ?If they take the course now, they will have time to prepare for the job they know they want next summer.?
To get one of the lifeguard openings, a person must be certified by attending the class and meet application qualifications.
The key to successfully passing the class is to begin practice now. Pasing swimming tests and a written exam are required for certification. One swim test is a 500-meter swim.
?If they know they want to be in the class,? said Brown, ?they can start practicing now. They can pass that part of the class the first night.?
The pool will open again in the middle of May, 2007 as soon as school gets out. Orientation starts the first of May before the city opens the pool.
?Being a lifeguard means you are here for safety,? said wellness and aquatic manager Justin Scott. ?That?s first and foremost. We are here to make this pool as safe as possible. Lifeguards also have a lot of responsibility when it comes to cleaning and keeping the pool up to par when it comes to health regulation standards.?
Scott admits the best part of taking this class and becoming certified to be a lifeguard is that next summer you will have one of the coolest jobs in town ? you?ll get to spend the summer at Gilley Pool.
The class is scheduled to start Monday, Aug. 7 at 6:15 p.m. and last for two weeks, Monday thru Thursday. The class will be held at Gilley Pool and is open to everyone 15 years or older. Pre-registration is required at the American Red Cross. For more information call 473-2595.