Fallsnewspress.com - Parks Remarks (March7): Lifeguarding is a rewarding opportunity

by Bill Lohan, Parks and Recreation Superintendent

There is a growing shortage across the nation in lifeguards. Kids today are involved in so many sports and activities. Here in Cuyahoga Falls, we are extremely challenged, as are most aquatic communities, with having an adequate number of lifeguards at our community water facilities. Because we have two such facilities -- the Natatorium and Water Works Family Aquatic Center -- we face perhaps a dual challenge. Between these two facilities, we employ more than 100 lifeguards.

Our goal has always been to encourage area kids to participate in swimming programs at an early age, and we do that by offering a variety of swim lessons for children of all ages at the Natatorium. Our swim lesson program is the largest in Summit County and is offered year round, and our program continues to do well, despite a difficult economy. Our hope is that many of our swim lesson participants will continue with lessons and by the time kids get to age 16, we can get them into a lifeguarding class to become first year guards.

Between the Natatorium and Water Works we are challenged with ensuring the safety of literally thousands of people. We don't take this lightly. All of our lifeguards are American Red Cross certified in lifeguard training, CPR for the professional rescuer, first aid, AED, prevention of disease transmission, and water park guarding. They all must have successfully completed a 500 yard swim, victim rescue, CPR scenario, water tread, and interview. We look for kids who know how to talk to people, handle conflict resolution, and understand the responsibilities of the job. Guards are required to attend monthly in-service training and reviews to keep their skills sharp. Many of our staff members are LGIs -- lifeguard instructors. This is an additional Red Cross certification that enables the instruction and certification of a lifeguard class, and also facilitates the instruction of junior lifeguards, a program for 11 to 14-year-olds. Water Works hosts a weeklong junior lifeguard training camp (June 21 to 24) and we often hire our guards from this popular program.

Cuyahoga Falls lifeguarding programs offer flexible schedules with education commitments. We provide suits, whistles, T-shirts and sunscreen and our facilities have well-stocked first aid kits, medical oxygen, resuscitators, AEDs and backboards. Our guards also have access to two-way radios, telephone, and storm weather protection. In addition, we provide beautiful state-of-the-art water facilities and our lifeguard teaching staff is second to none.

Swimming and water safety promote life skills like leadership and teamwork. Talk to your kids about the benefits of lifeguarding.

For more information, please contact Kim Wood at 330-971-8084.