Watching Over the Water: Lifeguards Earn Certification at Area Pools
Jan 27, 2022 01:30PM ● By ANN MARIE O’PHELANLifeguard training courses provide the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize, and respond to emergencies at pools, waterparks, and nonsurf beaches.
“The American Red Cross offers a lifeguarding program, as well as first aid and CPR/AED (automated external defibrillator) training. Participants learn how to recognize and respond to cardiac, breathing, and first aid emergencies, including performing CPR,” says regional communications director Siara Campbell. The Red Cross has been conducting classes throughout the country for more than 100 years. Locally, the organization provides training at Florida Gulf Coast University. For other locations, and to find out more, visit redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.
Lee County Parks and Recreation offers aquatic training courses, including the StarGuard lifeguard certification course. “This course is taught at multiple pools during the spring to train lifeguards for the summer,” says aquatic supervisor Paul Rapp. For information, contact one of the community pools at leeparks.org. Nearby facilities include the North Fort Myers and San Carlos community pools.
Lifeguard training is also offered at the Fort Myers YMCA.
Ann Marie O’Phelan is a Southwest Florida resident and regular contributor to TOTI Media.
IF YOU GO
FGCU Aquatics Center
10501 FGCU Blvd. South, Fort Myers
239-590-7700; fgcu.edu/studentlife/campusrec/aquatics/
Fort Myers YMCA
1360 Royal Palm Square Blvd., Fort Myers
239-275-9622; ymcaswfl.org
North Fort Myers Community Pool
5170 Orange Grove Blvd., North Fort Myers
652-4520; leegov.com/parks/pools
San Carlos Community Pool
8208 Sanibel Blvd., Fort Myers
239-267-6002; leegov.com/parks/pools