Durham Aquatic School – FREE Lifeguard Training for all ages!

By: Matthew Sprouse, Senior Aquatics Specialist

Lifeguarding is typically considered a summer job for teenagers, but did you know Durham Parks and Recreation employs lifeguards year-round of all ages? Campus Hills Pool and Edison Johnson Aquatic Center operate all year. Even in the middle of winter, the pool is always 84 degrees and open for lap swim, and there are always lifeguards present in case of an emergency. Durham Parks and Recreation is always recruiting, training, and hiring lifeguards to keep pools open and swimmers safe.

Part of this recruitment effort is Durham Parks and Recreation’s Durham Aquatic School. For the last 19 years, Durham Parks and Recreation has been holding free American Red Cross Lifeguard Training classes in the early spring to start the process of recruiting staff to work at the pools during the summer when lifeguards are needed most. These training classes, normally a $190 cost, are offered free of charge to anyone with no strings attached. By offering these classes for free, it is the hope that class participants will take their hard-earned lifeguarding certification and work for Durham Parks and Recreation during the summer, and potentially even year-round. Additionally, by providing the training at no cost, the City of Durham aims to remove the barrier for entry and make the class accessible to all to help increase knowledge of water safety in the community. The pay rate for Lifeguards with the City of Durham starts at $10.00/hour and comes with opportunities for advancement and additional certifications in the Aquatics field.

Beginning in 2019, Durham Aquatic School has revised the age requirements for the class. In the past, the classes have been restricted to high schoolers ages 16-19. This year, however, the upper age limit has been removed meaning that the class is now open to anyone 16 years of age or older. By opening the class to adults of all ages, Durham Parks and Recreation is looking to bolster recruitment efforts to adults that may be looking for a part-time job to supplement their income or a job with reduced, flexible hours.

A core part of the Durham Aquatic School program model is to offer free practice sessions to people who are interested in taking the lifeguarding course but may not be strong swimmers. Durham Parks and Recreation offers multiple instructional practice sessions to candidates to help build their skills and confidence to pass the course prerequisites. The full list of practice sessions can be found in the Durham Aquatic School application packet, linked below. The three prerequisites for the American Red Cross lifeguarding certification are:

1. Swim 300 yards (6 times down and back the pool length) continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. You may swim using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both but swimming on the back or side is not allowed. Swim goggles may be used.

2. Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs. You should place your hands under your armpits.

3. Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds.

• Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. Your face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed. 
• Surface dive, feet-first or head-first, to a depth of 7 to 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object. 
• Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on your back to return to the starting point with both hands holding the object while keeping your face at or near the surface so you are able to get a breath. You should not swim the distance under water. Exit the water without using a ladder or steps. 

Those who complete the prerequisites move on to the American Red Cross Lifeguarding course where they learn how to prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies as well as how to provide care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries and sudden illnesses until emergency medical services personnel take over.

There are three classes being offered in 2019: a course on weekday evenings from February 11-March 6, a course on two weekends April 5-14, and a course during the Durham Public Schools spring break from March 25-29. Dates and times for all classes, as well as more information about the requirements and the course application form, can be found here. Acceptance into this program is first come, first served, so turn in your applications as soon as possible for any of the course options you are interested in attending. Deadlines for application are located in the packet with the first deadline approaching Feb. 4 for the Weeknight Course offered on Mondays and Wednesday beginning February 11- March 6.

For more information about Durham Aquatics School, or lifeguarding employment with the City of Durham, please contact Matthew Sprouse, Aquatics Assistant Supervisor at Edison Johnson Aquatic Center by email at matthew.sprouse@durhamnc.gov or by phone at 919-560-4265 ext. 27304.