City to offer lifeguarding classes




The City of Oklahoma City’s Parks and Recreation Department will begin offering lifeguarding classes on February 12 to those interested in becoming a lifeguard during the City’s 2007 summer pool season.

All classes will be offered at Foster Indoor Pool, 614 NE 4. Weekday classes are held from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday classes are held 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Session dates include:

Session 1: February 12 – March 3 Monday, Wednesday and Saturday
Session 2: March 12 – March 16 Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Session 3: March 19 – March 23 Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Session 4: March 26 – April 14 Monday, Wednesday and Saturday
Session 5: March 27 – April 14 Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
Session 6: April 23 – May 12 Monday, Wednesday and Saturday
Session 7: April 24 – May 12 Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
Session 8: May 29 – June 1 Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

All classes except for sessions 2, 3 and 8 will run for a three to four week period, depending on the skill level of the students. The OKC Parks and Recreation Department requires a minimum of 40 training hours prior to employment. Applicants must be at least 16 years old to guard at City pools.

Classes will teach CPR skills, first aid, rescue, pool safety, rules and regulations, risk management and pool chemistry. To qualify for the course, prospective students must pass a test that includes a 500-yard swim, a timed 25-yard swim, diving and retrieving and treading water while holding weight.

Experienced lifeguards can register for swim instructor classes in March and April and crossover classes in May.

Most City pools open in early June. For more information or to sign up for training classes, call Foster Indoor Pool at 239-6898.