MCCS seeks to grow lifeguard staff to meet summer demands at base pools

Lance Cpl. Joseph A. Cabrera
OKINAWA MARINE STAFF

CAMP FOSTER — Marine Corps Community Services Semper Fit Aquatics recently began free monthly lifeguard certification classes on Camp Hansen and Camp Foster to help meet the approaching summer demand for lifeguards.

The courses are scheduled to take place Friday through Sunday for two consecutive weeks. The current course began May 2 and is scheduled to end May 11.

Many students currently in the course said they plan to apply for jobs at one of the 12 MCCS pool facilities on Okinawa once they get certified.

Students in the program will receive a lifeguard and first aid certification from the American Red Cross, valid for three years. Students will also receive American Red Cross certifications for CPR, use of the automated external defibrillator and blood borne pathogen prevention, valid for one year.

The course covers injury prevention, patron surveillance, emergency preparation, rescue skills and respiratory and cardiac emergency treatment. The course also covers first aid for muscle, bone, joint, head, neck and back injuries.

“Lifeguards are professionals trained to save lives.” said Scott Burton, head lifeguard instructor and Camp Hansen pool manger. The most important part of the course is learning rescue skills, he said. “If the lifeguard can react sooner, there is less of a need for CPR.”

The course also covers the legal issues of consent, Good Samaritan laws, negligence and how those topics affect decision making poolside, said Ashley Leeper, lifeguard instructor and Camp Courtney pool manager.

“Not a lot of people realize what a lifeguard actually does,” said Leeper

To create a safe environment for pool patrons, lifeguards are also responsible for checking safety and rescue equipment, pump rooms. floor tiles, and anything that could jeopardize patron safety in and around the pool area.

Burton said the skills the students learn in this course are not Okinawa specific and can be used at MCCS swimming facilities worldwide.

Also, students in the course may be preparing for other occupations that require a background as a lifeguard, such as swim coaches and camp counselors. Burton said. Some people may use life guarding as a stepping stone to become an emergency medical technician.

Most state parks and beaches accept the American Red Cross certification, depending on the type of waterfront, he said.

For more information about upcoming lifeguard courses and locations, visit the MCCS Okinawa Web site at http://www.mccsokinawa.com.