Smarties, it’s not too often that I find something great for Charlotte Smarty Pants scrolling through my personal Facebook account, but that’s exactly what happened this time. I came across a post shared by a church friend of mine raving about David Williamson, the head swim coach and trainer at the Harris YMCA. He was making a personal plea on his own Facebook account asking parents of teenagers 16 and older interested in lifeguarding next summer to sign up and start training now.
I think we all know what a problem pools have had with lifeguard shortages in recent years and from Dave’s plea, it sounds like part of the problem is that those who are interested are showing up a couple of weeks before summer, not realizing they need 30 days of training. So this is our public service announcement to parents of teenagers and teenagers who are thinking about lifeguarding this summer. What a great experience, not to mention something that looks incredible on any college admission form or job resume. And by the way, my church friend raved about the years her son spent lifeguarding for Williamson. As for what he said? I’m going to share that in his own words. Read on! – Smarty Carroll.
Parents of Charlotte and America, hear my plea! That lifeguard shortage you heard all about last year was not a myth, it still exists and is even larger this year than last (it has existed and been growing for about 8 years now). If swimming pools are going to be opened this summer, now is the time to apply for jobs and be trained. If you like your pool time in the summer, we have to get busy.
If it gets to be mid-May and your teen suddenly decides they want to be a lifeguard, they are WAY too late. A lifeguard certification is required and they require around 30 hours of in-person training plus online training as well. There is a swim and a physical requirement to the job as well, so now is the time to prepare for the 300 yard swim and two minutes of treading water.
If you have a 16 year old and you want them working, earning money and out of the house (and as a bonus with lifeguarding, off of their phones), send them my way. If they work for me, I will train them for free. They will be very well trained and prepared and working for a very present and supportive manager who will be there if there is a crisis and will always have their back.
I know there are always opportunities out there that may appear sunnier, easier and better paying. However, if I am an enlightened human resources manager and I see on a resume lifeguard experience, I know I am hiring someone who can communicate, has worked in high stress situations and is action oriented.
For information about applying at the Harris YMCA, click here. And David Williamson can be reached via e-mail at david.williamson@ymcacharlotte.org.
Website | Facebook | Instagram
1 comment
Thank you Charlotte Smarty Pants for furthering my cause!! One quick note, it is 30 hours of in-person training, not 30 days (that would be more like Marine Corps basic training). Come on and join up!! I promise a fun summer and a great experience.