Lifeguard camp graduates seven
They had the opportunity to spend their days by the pool every day for two weeks. Who could turn that down?
Ah, but there was a catch. They had to learn CPR, improve their swimming skills and learn how to get people who appeared to be in danger of drowning out of the water.
Seven youths between the ages of 10 and 15 did just that as they participated in the junior lifeguard program at the North Fort Myers Community Pool, where they got to experience firsthand what it’s like to be a lifeguard.
It isn’t just sitting on a chair with white stuff on your nose.
“The camp teaches kids about life as a lifeguard and gives them perspective of what we do,” said Trevor Snearley, supervisor at the community pool. “The kids did great. They learn a lot and it’s fun for the kids.”
The camp is $125 for two weeks and is offered throughout Lee County. It included two field trips, one to Sun Splash and another to the Coast Guard station at Fort Myers Beach, where they got to go on the cutter boats and learn what they do.
Participants also learned CPR (though they aren’t certified in it) and first aid, as well the basics in water rescue, including quick scenarios where they had to think on their feet, and shadow lifeguarding, where they helped an actual lifeguard enforce rules.
When finished, the kids got certificates of completion for the program, which Snearly said was much more than the ordinary camp, rather like the Lee County Sheriff’s Office Explorer program.
Snearley said the kids didn’t have to be Michael Phelps in the water, but there were some minimal requirements.
“They had to be able to swim 25 yards, retrieve a 10-pound brink and tread water for a minute. The camp is for kids 10- to 15-years old; at 16, they can become lifeguards,” Snearley said. “It’s no use to take a junior program when you can take a lifeguard program and be certified as a lifeguard.”
Snearley said the program has been in existence since he came around in 1997, and of the graduates, several have come back to become lifeguards.
The kids were proud to get their certificates. Ronald Wong, 11, said he had a lot of fun.
“We learned how to rescue people and do CPR. I want to help people in the water,” Wong said. “I feel good that I accomplished this because I learned to help people.”
“I learned CPR and how to get my strokes and kicking better. Junior lifeguard class is basically a swimming class and it helps you become a lifeguard when you get older. That’s what I want to do,” said Joseph Baublis, 11.
Other graduates included Jordan Castleberry, Kaylee Martin, Jakein Maybin, Brandon Pooser and Jonathan James.