Community Corner

Red Cross Holding Lifeguard Training School at Pitt Next Month

Participants can choose between two sessions and get certified before summer.

Plum, Oakmont and Verona teens: Are you still trying to figure out where you'll work this summer? If you're thinking of becoming a lifeguard, then listen up.

Though weather patterns have been sporadic at best here in Southwestern Pennsylvania as of late, summer is undoubtedly just around the corner, and the minds of many area residents—especially teenagers—have drifted to summer vacation.

During the warmer summer months, lifeguarding is a top job pick not only because it offers “fun-in-the-sun,” but also because it’s a job that can save lives.

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To help area residents prepare for the responsibility of being lifeguards, the American Red Cross is hosting its annual Lifeguard Training School in Pittsburgh May 10 to 13 and May 17 to 20, offering new lifeguard training and recertification classes.

Every year, the local Red Cross certifies hundreds of locals in lifeguarding skills. Participants learn lifesaving skills—including First Aid, CPR and AED—which prepare them to handle aquatic emergencies with responsibility and knowledge.

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“Lifeguarding is a big responsibility, so thorough and proper training is absolutely vital,” said Mark Mullen, preparedness, health and safety service delivery manager with the local Red Cross. “Our Red Cross Lifeguard Training School ensures that individuals are fully prepared and confident to handle potential emergencies in and around the water.”

The American Red Cross Lifeguard Training School will be held in the Trees Hall Pool at the University of Pittsburgh, located at Darrah Street and Allequippa Street in Oakland. Numerous class options will be offered.

To gain new lifeguard certification, which is valid for two years, students should attend all four days of either session A or B. The cost for full certification is $350.

SESSION A (all four days must be attended for full certification)

  • 6 – 10 p.m. Thursday, May 10 
  • 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday, May 11 
  • 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday, May 12 
  • 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Sunday, May 13 

SESSION B (all four days must be attended for full certification)

  • 6 – 10 p.m. Thursday, May 17 
  • 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday, May 18 
  • 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday, May 19 
  • 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Sunday, May 20 

To qualify for entry, candidates must be 15 years old on or before the final scheduled class; swim 300 yards continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing; tread water for two minutes using only the legs; and complete a timed event within one minute and 40 seconds (swim 20 yards, surface dive into deep water, retrieve a 10-pound object, swim back to the starting point, then remove the object without a ladder or steps).

Candidates will learn proper lifeguard and rescue techniques; how to treat injuries and other medical emergencies; how to administer CPR and an Automated External Defibrillator; and will earn certification for employment opportunities that can make a difference in people’s lives.

The cost is $350 for the full course; $200 for recertification (last three days of each session) and $110 for CPR and AED certification (Saturday, May 12 or Saturday, May 19). 

For more information or to register, visit RedCross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.

Allegheny County also is looking for lifeguards to work at county pools this summer. For more information about that opportunity, see patch.com/A-sKtL.

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