FORT RUCKER, Ala. (April 23, 2015) -- Busy waterways and summer vacation provide the perfect opportunity for seasonal employment, and Fort Rucker offers certification courses to help jumpstart the process.
The sports, fitness and aquatics branch offers lifeguard certification courses through June for anyone interesting in poolside employment during the summer.
Courses are available to anyone age 15 and older. Cost is $125 for military or DOD card holders and $150 for the general public.
"The course is designed to certify participants as an American Red Cross lifeguard, waterfront lifeguard and water park lifeguard," Amanda Orduno, Fort Rucker aquatics manager, said. "It also certifies each individual in CPR/AED administration and first aid. It provides each candidate the basic knowledge in order to prevent injuries in a pool or water front setting as well as the knowledge to provide the appropriate care in case of emergencies."
According to Orduno, participants will be required to pass certain prerequisites the first day before entering the course. Requirements include a non-stop swim of 550 meters, a two-minute tread above water using only legs, dive ring retrieval, and a timed 20-meter brick retrieval swim.
The course provides the perfect opportunity to earn money during the summer, but it also provides other benefits, she said.
"The course certifies an individual in more than just lifeguarding," Orduno said. "As a certified lifeguard, you become proficient in numerous lifesaving skills that can be utilized outside of a pool setting, such as CPR for infants, children and adults, unconscious choking, hypothermia and hyperthermia training, recognizing strokes and more.
"However, most importantly, even if you decide to never by employed as a lifeguard, you would be trained to save someone from drowning," she added. "Drowning is the fifth leading cause of accidental deaths in the United States and, unfortunately, most onlookers are helpless to stop it. If you become a lifeguard, you can save a life."
The course provides all the knowledge needed to become a lifeguard, but Orduno said lifeguards will also be tasked with some little-known responsibilities.
"As a lifeguard, you must check water chemistry and ensure the water is balanced correctly, and complete safety checks daily to ensure everything is operating efficiently," she said. "Each lifeguard with the Army, when coming on shift, is required to swim 500 meters in order to stay fit, healthy, and proficient in their swimming abilities."
Lifeguard courses will be held on the following dates and times:
- May 8-10, 16-17: Friday from 4-7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.
- June 1-5: 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Safety is important at all times, especially during crowded summer days at the pool, and Orduno said lifeguard training helps promote a continued practice of safety near water.
"As a parent, it is always necessary to be the first set of eyes on your child," she said. "Be aware of your child's swimming ability and know your own, as well. Put a lifejacket on your child, if need be, and fit it correctly. If you don't know how to fit one, ask a lifeguard. They are always quick to help.
"If you are not a proficient swimmer, become one," she added. "Take swimming lessons -- knowing how to swim can be a lifesaving skill. Another important factor to keep in mind is the weather -- southeast Alabama is known for late afternoon storms that can pose a risk to swimmers, so stay out of the pool if a storm is imminent. Swim only when lifeguards are present. The lifeguards are there for your safety, to prevent injury and to respond if an emergency were to arise."
Successful completion of the course could open the door to employment on post, Orduno said.
"Once a lifeguard course is completed and an individual has passed all portions of training, if selected, they can be hired as a lifeguard for Fort Rucker FMWR Aquatics," she said. "We hire, for the summer season, upwards of 40 lifeguards to work at numerous MWR seasonal facilities such as: SPLASH!, Flynn Pool and the Lake Tholocco swimming area. Lifeguard positions will be open in the spring and can be found on USAJOBS.gov."
For more information on lifeguard certification or employment with the Aquatics Branch, call 255-9162.
Related Links:
USAACE and Fort Rucker on Twitter
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