Metro Parks’ new and innovative Lifeguard Academy offers youth in the Tony Sudekum/J.C. Napier Housing Development an opportunity to learn a skill while earning money to become a lifeguard at city pools across the county this summer. Metro Action Commission is providing funding for the 10 lifeguard training positions through the Providing Opportunities for Wealth-building and Economic Resilience (POWER) youth program.
Metro Parks Director Monique Horton Odom said, “This groundbreaking program checks all the boxes. It provides young people in that area the opportunity to acquire a valued skill while helping fill the ongoing void of lifeguards that we experience every summer. It’s a win for the department and the city but more importantly, it’s a big win for these kids. We’ve been training lifeguards for years, but this is our first paid program thanks to the Metro Action Commission, and I am proud we have this important opportunity to offer.”
“Partnering with the Parks Department on the lifeguard program has been a dream of our agency as many of the families we serve have children who’ve lacked the opportunity to gain such an important skill. By providing these resources we continue our commitment to improving equity and access for all communities,” said Cynthia Croom, Metro Action’s Executive Director.
The Lifeguard Academy is scheduled to run from March 3 to May 12 at Napier Park Community Center swimming pool. Participants will be required to train 10 hours a week at a salary of $15.00/hour. On Saturday, May 13, the participants will have the opportunity, if they choose, to take a rigorous test to qualify for the Red Cross Lifeguard Certification. Those who pass the test and obtain the required certification will be offered summer employment (30 hours per week) as a lifeguard with Metro Parks. Temporary employment could be extended to a permanent position following a job performance review and evaluation.
The Academy also offers an additional benefit said Odom. “According to the latest data, 60 percent of African American children cannot swim. This program will offer water safety opportunities and valuable lifesaving skills to an underserved population.”
Program elements include but are not limited to:
- Three hundred yards continuous swim, using the front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination of both.
- Tread water for two minutes using legs only. Hands must be under armpits.
- Timed event - swim 20 yards, retrieve a ten-pound brick from nine feet deep, return to the surface, and swim with both hands on the brick back to starting point in under 1 minute and 40 seconds.
- Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.
Students must bring a towel, swimsuit, manual, paper, and pencil to all classes. They will also be required to have access to a computer to do the majority of study work online and pass a written test on pool safety and chemicals used. For those interested in participating in the program, contact Antwan Majors at [email protected] or 615-256-4474.