McCook 'Y' taking registrations for lifeguard course

McCOOK, Neb. — Ed Thomas YMCA of McCook leaders are happy to announce that registration is now open for the December 2022 Lifeguard Certification Course.

The in-person portion of the course will take place December 28-30 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The online portion must be completed prior to the first day of the class.

Thanks to the McCook Community Foundation Fund (MCFF), Lifeguard Certification Courses through the McCook YMCA are now 100% funded for those who will work for the McCook YMCA and/or the City of McCook as a lifeguard.

Tricia Wagner, MCFF Board Member and former City of McCook pool manager, said:

“The MCFF is happy to support the development of local community members seeking to work at the YMCA and/or the McCook City Pool as a lifeguard by fully funding the course cost for student.

The MCFF believes both entities are vital to our community and having adequate lifeguards to staff both pools is important.

Personally, I would encourage anyone looking for a summer job or new adventure to consider lifeguarding.

Lifeguarding is rewarding as you get to positively influence the lives of children and families in and around our community.”

During the course, participants will learn how to effectively prevent, recognize, and respond to emergencies and to provide care for injuries and sudden illness in and around water.

Future lifeguards will learn how effective preparation and quick response times are vital to being a lifeguard while also understanding the crucial elements in helping to prevent drownings.

“We are very thankful to the MCFF for this grant to help fund lifeguarding certification courses. Lifeguarding is a rewarding position that is vital to the safety of swimmers and our aquatic center,” said McCook YMCA Director of Operations, Anna Sis.

Participants must be 15 years or older by the end of the course.Students must pass a pre-course swimming skills test which includes a 300-yard swim using front crawl or breaststroke, a 2-minute tread using legs only and the ability to retrieve a 10-pound dive weight from seven feet deep, surface and swim 20 yards with the weight, using legs only and exit the pool without using a ladder within 100 seconds.

“Upon successful completion of the Lifeguarding course, you will receive a Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED certification, which is valid for two years and is accepted nationwide” said McCook YMCA Director of Operations, Anna Sis.

Early enrollment is encouraged as classes are limited in size and to allow reasonable time to complete the online portion of the course.

The deadline to register for the course is December 15. Online registration is highly recommended.

Eegistration may also be completed at the YMCA of McCook service desk. Online registration and more information about classes, times and dates can be found at www.mccookymca.org.