The city of Ceres is offering a low-cost American Red Cross Lifeguard Training course over the spring break to help youth and adults find work as a lifeguard.
Cost is $50 for Ceres residents and $150 for those living outside of the city limits. The cost used to be $250 for Ceres residents.
“We wanted to make it affordable by cutting the cost by $200 it gives an opportunity to any kid to go through the class,” said Recreation Manager Matthew Lohr.
The city is not guaranteeing that participants will find work after the 32-hour course but they will qualify to work at the Ceres aquatics programs this summer.
“We’re looking to hire like 10 kids,” said Lohr. “This will give you Red Cross certification. We have not always hired enough lifeguards in this city so we think this is a great way of working with the swim team coaches, the water polo coaches, the athletic directors at the high schools that we hire Ceres kids. This is a perfect way to get more local kids involved.”
The course teaches surveillance skills, scanning, victim recognition, stages of drowning, water rescue skills, spinal management, first aid training and professional rescuer CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and automated external defibrillator (AED). Successful participants will receive two-year certification in lifeguarding, first aid and CPR and AED.
Participants must be at least 15 years of age and must pre-register and pass the prerequisite test. They must attend all classes, including the pre-test event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23. Classes are set for Thursday, April 25, from noon to 6 p.m.; Friday, April 26, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, April 27, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sunday, April 28 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Participants must pass the pre-test which consists of the 300-yard swim, tread water for two minutes and retrieve an object in seven to 10 feet of water in a timed event.
The class will be taught by Cameron Tucker, manager of the Ceres aquatics program held at the Ceres High School pool.
To register, participants may sign up in person at the Ceres Community Center, 2701 Fourth Street, Ceres, or visit www.ci.ceres.ca.us by April 17. For more information call the city at 538-5682.
