LOUISIANA, Mo — The lifeguard course is designed to provide participants the knowledge and skills necessary to be a lifeguard and professional rescuer. Teenagers and adults who enjoy swimming and have a desire to help others are being sought.  Students will have the opportunity to be certified in American Safety and Health Institute Basic Life Support for the Professional Rescuer, Basic First Aid, Emergency Oxygen Administration and YMCA Lifeguarding.  Students must pass a swimming and physical skills test prior to the class and must be 16 years of age by the last day of the class.  Anyone concerned about passing these tests should contact the YMCA for additional information.

The qualifying class for the course will be held on Friday, May 10, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.  Other classes are scheduled on Saturdays throughout May, beginning May 11, 5:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.  This course is the most comprehensive Lifeguard course offered in the area.

The registration fee for the course is $25.  The course fee is $200.  Those interested in being hired as a lifeguard by the Twin Pike Family YMCA will be interviewed prior to the class and may be eligible to participate in the “Futures in the Making Internship”.    This program will delay the need to pay the course fee before the class.  The YMCA hires lifeguards for early morning, morning, afternoon, and evening shifts.  The Aquatics Department at the YMCA offers a flexible, part time schedule for lifeguards with the benefit of free membership and program discounts with employment.

Those interested in applying for the Lifeguard Course and possibly being hired as a lifeguard at the Twin Pike Family YMCA should contact Joe MacLaughlin, Aquatics Director, at 573-754-4497 or stop into the YMCA to fill out an application.  Those with questions regarding the course should contact Krista Flowers, instructor, at 573-470-5158.  Registration materials with additional information, including course fees, are available at the YMCA.  The deadline to register for the courses and pay a $25 registration fee is May 4.

Photo:  Twin Pike Family YMCA Lifeguards – From Left   – Lauren Ince and Sally Logan