City to offer lifeguarding classes

(February 23, 2006) – Those interested in becoming a lifeguard at an OKC pool this summer are encouraged to enroll now for lifeguard training classes offered by the Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation Department.
 
The 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 1: March 13 through 17 – Monday through Friday, 11a.m. – 7 p.m.

Session 2: March 27 through April 15 – Monday, Wednesday and Saturday

Session 3: March 28 through April 15 – Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday

Session 4: April 24 through May 13 – Monday, Wednesday and Saturday

Session 5: April 25 through May 13 – Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday

Session 6: May 29 through June 2 – Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
 
All classes except for the first and last sessions 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 a City pool.

Classes will teach CPR skills, first aid, rescue, rules and regulations, safety, 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.