Spaces are still open in lifeguard course

Anyone wanting to become a lifeguard still has an opportunity to do so.

The six-day course for certification in American Red Cross lifeguard, first aid and CPR for the professional rescuer is being offered Friday, Saturday and Sunday, June 6 - 8 and 13 - 15.

The classes will be held from 5 to 11 p.m. at the Port Aransas Community Pool. Participants must attend all of the 36 hours of the class.

The cost is $175 per person. Students who pay in advance will receive their books and pocket masks, a sanitary device for use during CPR, 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 graduates are eligible to apply for lifeguard jobs; however, certification does not insure work.

A 300-yard swim is one of the prerequisites of the class.

Participants must also 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.

Completed forms may be returned to Port Aransas Community Park or to city hall, 710 W. Ave. A. The classes are sponsored by the Port Aransas Parks and Recreation Department.