An American Red Cross lifeguard certification training program will be offered in April by the Office of Recreation Programs.
Troy Vaughn, an assistant director in the Office of Recreation Programs, said participants will need to be 15 years old by April 6 and pass a required swim test, which consists of a 500-yard swim and retrieval of a 10-pound brick from a depth of 14 feet.
Vaughn said the requirement of being 15 years old is a Ball State policy for using the pool.
"Having a 95-pound person try to save a 195-pound, 295-pound or 395-pound person is just not possible," he said.
The American Red Cross offers a program for those under 15 years of age who are interested in being a lifeguard in the future. Vaughn said the instructors for this program will be Ball State staff members who are registered Red Cross lifeguard instructors.
Lifeguard training instructors have full lifeguard certification and an additional certification that makes them capable of training others.
According to the American Red Cross' Web site, there are several benefits to becoming a lifeguard. Lifeguarding skills and experience are valued by colleges and future employers.
Junior Corban Quance took the class and has been a lifeguard for the past six years.
"The class is very time consuming," he said, "but the benefits make it definitely worth the time.
"When you lifeguard, you have a responsibility you don't have with most other jobs, and that's watching out for people's lives. I would definitely recommend everyone experience a summer of lifeguarding so they can understand the fun and responsibility it can bring."
Training classes will meet from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday and April 13-14 in Lewellen Pool. The program will have several requirements, including a cost of $150 for people affiliated with Ball State and $175 for people not affiliated. This price will include a book, pocket mask and certification cards. Space will be available for this class on a first-come, first-served basis, and registration will remain open until class starts.
For more information about this program, contact the Office of Recreation Programs at 285-1753 or visit the American Red Cross' Web site at www.redcross.org/services.
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