FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- When schools close for the year, teenagers and young adults nationwide search for part-time or seasonal work.
Those looking for summer employment at Fort Rucker can jump start the process by participating in lifeguard certification classes this month.
Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation staff offers classes March 8-14 and March 22-28. Classes occur from 4 to 9 p.m. Mondays-Fridays and Saturdays-Sundays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Fort Rucker Physical Fitness Facility.
Participants must attend all the sessions to earn certification, said Jody Valdes, DFMWR assistant aquatics manager.
By the course's conclusion, participants are certified in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation techniques. Students also learn signs of a swimmer in distress, and must also be able to complete a 300-yard swim using various strokes, she said.
The course costs $75, and DFMWR reimburses funds to lifeguards who work with them through the entire summer season. DFMWR needs lifeguards for the Flynn Pool, opening April 5, and Lake Tholocco's West Beach swimming area, which opens in May.
Picerne Military Housing is hiring lifeguards for its Allen Heights and Bowden Terrace neighborhood centers, said Emily Natalio, Picerne communications specialist. Those interested in working for Picerne as a lifeguard are invited to attend an open house at the Allen Heights Neighborhood Center March 18 from 4 to 6 p.m.
Picerne will initially employ 20 lifeguards and possibly up to 40 when the Bowden Terrace Neighborhood Center opens in mid-summer, she added.
Amanda Filipowski, Picerne communications manager, encourages people interested in working for them to attend the DFMWR certification classes. Picerne reimburses the $75 cost if course participants work for them during the summer.
The lifeguard jobs offer area youngsters an opportunity to gain maturity, Natalio, a former lifeguard certification instructor, said.
"For students, it's a great opportunity to meet people. It allows them to mature and have responsibility. It builds character," she said, noting working as a lifeguard also builds teamwork.
Natalio said the jobs offer local teachers another chance to earn money while mentoring area youngsters.
"Adults bring a sense of calm in case of emergency," she said.
Those interested in a Picerne lifeguarding job do not have to be military affiliated, and no experience is necessary. Those applying must be at least 15 years of age.
Lifeguards who work with Picerne from Memorial Day to Labor Day, the Allen Heights pools' opening and closing dates, garner a $250 bonus, Natalio said.
To register for a certification course, call 255-2296. To apply for a DFMWR lifeguard position, visit the Civilian Personnel Office in Bldg. 5700.
To apply for a Picerne lifeguard job, e-mail ruckerpools@picernemh.com, call 503-3600 or visit the Picerne Military Housing Office, Bldg. 2908.
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