Lifeguard training set at fitness center

HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE — An American Red Cross lifeguard training program is upcoming within Hot Springs Village. Hours will be 4-9 p.m. Sept. 11-15, and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 16 in the Coronado Fitness Center, 160 Ponderosa Lane.

The knowledge and skills needed to help prevent and respond to aquatic emergencies will be taught. Lifeguard certification good for two years will be provided.

Training is open to anyone 15 years of age or older, and the cost is $100.

Deb Johnson, the Coronado Fitness Center manager and a certified lifeguard instructor trainer, said in a news release that she hopes to recruit new lifeguards for the center. Lifeguards work part time, 10 to 20 hours a week, in a flexible schedule.

“Recently, we had two guards do a rescue and save someone’s life,” Johnson said in the release. The guards recognized the emergency and took immediate action, performing a board rescue and administering CPR until the EMTs arrived. The patron was breathing without assistance when airlifted from the Coronado Fitness Center.

Lifeguarding is a good fit for both young people and retirees with the following prerequisite skills: A candidate must complete a 300-yard swim, demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing using the front crawl, breaststroke or combination of both. They are required to tread water for two minutes using only the legs, and to be able to complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds.

The fitness staff is willing to help candidates improve their swimming skill to pass this proficiency test, if necessary.

The 28-hour Red Cross course will include both videos and hands-on practice. Topics to be covered are land and water skills, first aid, patron surveillance, rescue skills, victim assessment, CPR/AED, care for head, neck and spinal needs, and administering emergency oxygen.

Candidates must pass both final written exams with a minimum 80 percent score. Participants must also demonstrate a professional attitude, mature behavior and work well as a team member.

CFC lifeguards are required to complete four hours of in-service training every month to hone their skills and prepare them for a variety of scenarios. Lifeguards receive membership to the fitness center and discounts on other POA amenities.

The Coronado Fitness Center is the only authorized provider for the Red Cross Lifeguard Certification Course in Garland County.

To sign up for training or to find out more information, contact Deb Johnson by calling 501922-1230, or sending an email to debjohnson@hsvpoa.org.