City to offer Lifeguarding Classes

(February 4, 2008) - The City of Oklahoma City’s Parks and Recreation Department will offer free lifeguarding classes beginning on February 12 to those interested in becoming a lifeguard during the City’s 2008 summer pool season.

All classes will be offered at Foster Indoor Pool, 614 NE 4.  Weekday classes are held from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday classes are held 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Session dates include:

Session 1:            February 18 – March 8      Monday, Wednesday and Saturday

Session 2:            March 17 – March 21         Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Session 3:            March 24 – April 12           Monday, Wednesday and Saturday

Session 4:            March 25 – April 12           Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday

Session 5:            April 14 – May 3                Monday, Wednesday and Saturday

Session 6:            April 15 – May 3                Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday

Session 7:            May 27 – May 31               Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

The classes are free to all individuals who pass their certification exams and sign on to work for the City’s 2008 summer pool season.

All classes except for sessions 2, 5, 6 and 7 will run for a three to four week period, depending on the skill level of the students.  The OKC Parks and Recreation Department requires a minimum of 40 training hours prior to employment.  Applicants must be at least 16 years old to guard at City pools.

Classes will teach CPR skills, first aid, rescue, pool safety, rules and regulations, risk management and pool chemistry.  To qualify for the course, prospective students must pass a test that includes a 500-yard swim, a timed 25-yard swim, diving and retrieving and treading water while holding weight.

Experienced lifeguards can register for swim instructor classes in March and April and crossover classes in May.

Most pools will open in early June.  For more information or to sign up for training classes, call Foster Indoor Pool at 239-6898.