Training to Save Lives: L.A. City Lifeguard Recertification
At the Celes King pool, lifeguard candidates at the City of Los Angeles are tested for their recertification. Oscar Carmona of the Los Angeles Department of Rec and Parks explained that the process includes tests in water skills, including a 500-meter swim, which is 22 laps of the pool. Lifeguards must be able to complete the 500-meter swim in under 10 minutes.
Lifeguard Mitchell Perez said that it was a bit tiring, but it's a good metric for swimming in the open water.
Lifeguard Gabriel Garcia said the tests are all part of checking that candidates meet the requirements to continue lifeguarding for the City.
"Being a lifeguard is a great job because you learn a lot of water safety skills," said Joshua Ramirez, Lifeguard.
Another test is the "dummy tow," where lifeguards are required to retrieve the dummy from the bottom of the pool and tow it to safety. Carmona said that this test requires both skill and effort and that completing the test takes practice and experience.
Garcia said that almost drowning as a child was his motivation to learn how to swim, and knowing how to swim is a good lifesaving technique to have.
Perez grew up around water, learned to swim as a child, and began teaching others how to swim. But it was the experience of swimming in open water that changed his perspective on lifeguarding and increased his appreciation of all they do to prevent incidents and save lives.
The City offers jobs in Aquatics, not only as a lifeguard, but as a locker attendant, or pool clerk. Anyone with an interest in aquatics is encouraged to call into a City pool and learn more about the resources there.
Lifeguard Ramirez believes the job is one of the best in the City and it's what brings him back to the role every year.
For more information, visit: Recreation.Parks.LACity.gov
#LACityParks #LACityResidents
Lifeguard Mitchell Perez said that it was a bit tiring, but it's a good metric for swimming in the open water.
Lifeguard Gabriel Garcia said the tests are all part of checking that candidates meet the requirements to continue lifeguarding for the City.
"Being a lifeguard is a great job because you learn a lot of water safety skills," said Joshua Ramirez, Lifeguard.
Another test is the "dummy tow," where lifeguards are required to retrieve the dummy from the bottom of the pool and tow it to safety. Carmona said that this test requires both skill and effort and that completing the test takes practice and experience.
Garcia said that almost drowning as a child was his motivation to learn how to swim, and knowing how to swim is a good lifesaving technique to have.
Perez grew up around water, learned to swim as a child, and began teaching others how to swim. But it was the experience of swimming in open water that changed his perspective on lifeguarding and increased his appreciation of all they do to prevent incidents and save lives.
The City offers jobs in Aquatics, not only as a lifeguard, but as a locker attendant, or pool clerk. Anyone with an interest in aquatics is encouraged to call into a City pool and learn more about the resources there.
Lifeguard Ramirez believes the job is one of the best in the City and it's what brings him back to the role every year.
For more information, visit: Recreation.Parks.LACity.gov
#LACityParks #LACityResidents