HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE -- An American Red Cross lifeguard training program has been scheduled for 4-9 p.m. Sept. 14-18 in the Coronado Fitness Center, 160 Ponderosa Lane.
The purpose of these lifeguard classes is to teach the knowledge and skills needed to help prevent and respond to aquatic emergencies, and to provide lifeguard certification good for two years. The course has a cost of $50 and is open to anyone 15 and older.
Deb Johnson, Coronado Fitness Center manager and certified lifeguard instructor trainer, is looking to recruit new lifeguards for the center. Lifeguards work part time, 10-20 hours per week. The schedule is flexible and the work can be very rewarding, she said in a news release.
Johnson also explained the importance of this role, saying, "Lifeguards are expected to be first responders."
First responders are responsible for identifying problems and taking immediate, often lifesaving, actions. And that training was put to the test just a few weeks ago when a patron got into trouble in the center's pool.
Johnson said, "Recently, we had two guards do a rescue and save someone's life." She said the guards recognized the emergency and took immediate action, performing a board rescue and administering CPR until the EMTs arrived. The patron was breathing without assistance when airlifted from the Coronado Fitness Center.
Tom Holberton has been working as a part-time lifeguard at the center for 10 years and jokes that it's his second career. He retired and moved to Hot Springs Village, but soon became restless. He was swimming several times a week anyway, so becoming a lifeguard was an easy transition. Holberton is a certified lifeguard and a certified lifeguard instructor. "I have found training to be very rewarding," Holberton said in a release.
Many of the lifeguards who take the training course are young adults. Holberton enjoys watching the students develop their skills through training and practice. "It's really neat at the end of the course, to see how well the students get the whole program," he said.
But lifeguarding is a good fit for retirees, too. For those who were lifeguards in high school, or for people who enjoy swimming, lifeguarding is something to consider. A strong proficiency in swimming, though, is definitely critical.
Candidates must have these prerequisite skills: They must complete a 300-yard swim, demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing using the front crawl, breast stroke or combination of both. Plus, they are required to tread water for two minutes using only the legs, and to be able to complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds. The fitness staff is willing to help candidates improve their swimming skills to pass this proficiency test, if necessary.
The 25-hour, 20-minute Red Cross course will be conducted by Johnson and Holberton, and will include videos and hands-on practice. Topics to be covered are land and water skills, first aid, patron surveillance, rescue skills, victim assessment, CPR/AED, care for head, neck and spinal injuries, in addition to administering emergency oxygen.
To earn certification, attendees must be present for and participate in all class sessions and show competency in all required skills and activities, including final rescue skill scenarios. Candidates must pass both final written exams with a minimum of 80 percent. Plus, participants must demonstrate a professional attitude, mature behavior and work well as part of a team.
CFC lifeguards are required to complete four hours of in-service every month of the year to hone their skills. This prepares guards for a variety of scenarios. In addition to flexible work hours, lifeguards receive membership to the fitness center and discounts to other POA amenities.
The Coronado Fitness Center is the only authorized provider for the Red Cross Lifeguard Certification Course in Garland County. In fact, Johnson and her staff have provided a variety of training to area organizations including the YMCA, Diamondhead Property Owners Association, Hot Springs Country Club, and Job Corps.
To sign up for training or to find out more information, call Deb Johnson at 501-922-1230 or email her at [email protected].
Local on 09/04/2015