If you are interested in being certified as a lifeguard, the City of Port Aransas Parks and Recreation Department can help you reach that goal.

Two lifeguard classes have been scheduled for April, and those interested may sign up now.

The three-day course for certification in American Red Cross Lifeguard, First Aid, and CPR for the Professional Rescuer will be held Friday through Sunday, April 4-6 and 11-13. The classes on Fridays will be held from 5 to 10 p.m. On Saturdays and Sundays, the hours will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The classes will be held at the Port Aransas Community Pool, 700 Clark Pkwy.

The cost is $175 per person. Students who pay in advance will receive their book and pocket mask at no charge.

Those waiting to pay the day of class must bring their own materials. The items may be purchased at the American Red Cross office, 1721 S. Brownlee in Corpus Christi.

Lifeguard certification will make graduates eligible to apply for lifeguard jobs; however, it does not insure work.

A prerequisite for the class is a 300-yard swim.

Participants must swim continuously using the following strokes: 100 yards front crawl (must breathe from side to side or in front and must show comfort and rhythmic kick); 100 yards breast stroke (using a pull, breath, kick and glide sequence); 100 yards breast stroke or front crawl (using the above techniques).

Another prerequisite for the class is a timed event. Starting in the water, participants must swim 20 yards using front crawl or breaststroke, surface dive seven to 10 feet, retrieve a 10- pound object, return to the surface, swim 20 yards back to the starting point with the object and exit the water without using a ladder or steps, within one minute, 40 seconds. Participants will be expected to attend all classes.

Call (361) 779-8388 with questions.

Registration forms for the class are available at the pool.

Complete the form and return it to Port Aransas Community Pool or to city hall, 710 W. Ave. A, Port Aransas, TX 78373.