By Amy Cutillo |Staff Writer|
The Rec Center is offering Guardstart and swimming lessons for those of you interested in kicking your swimming abilities up a notch.
Guardstart is a pre-lifeguarding program that allows students under the age of 15 to learn basic lifeguard skills.
Guardstart is about learning to lifeguard at a younger age. Kids under the age of 15 are required to pass level four swimming courses and demonstrate particular skills.
According to Bryanna Burns at the Rec Center, kids who participate in Guardstart learn the basics: endurance, rescue tube, proper mount from chairs, etc. What is not offered, however, is first aid or CPR.
Although students are not granted the opportunity to participate in the events, some find that they are still able to help siblings or younger friends take advantage of the opportunity.
“I think it would be cool to do it myself, but I’ll definitely encourage my younger brother to join the program,” said student John Benitez. “It’ll give him something to do instead of sitting around complaining about the heat all day.”
Along with Guardstart, swimming lessons have also been offered here on campus. Unlike the lifeguard program, however, students and adults may join this swimming program.
Those looking to learn new strokes or perfect their technique are more than welcome to join. Private lessons are encouraged for those students who are interested in taking personal swimming lessons.
I spoke to student Alex Gomez and he shared his interest in taking private swimming lessons. “I didn’t know the school was offering that program. I’ll be here during the summer so I’m looking forward to the experience,” said Gomez. “I’ve always been a decent swimmer, but now I’ll the chance to hopefully become a great swimmer.”
There is also a swimming program aimed specifically for children which contains five levels. For children looking to learn elementary aquatic skills and water exploration the Tadpoles is the level for them.
For those more advanced who are looking to coordinate and refine their key strokes and increase their distances, Dolphins level, will be perfect.
It will also provide an introduction to diving and open turns and further development of the breast stroke and side stroke are also included.
Adding to its extensive list of summer activities, the Rec Center will provide you with the opportunity to gain that slim, desirable swimmer’s body as well as provide younger kids with the opportunity to stay active and cool during the warm summer days.
If you know anybody under the age of 15 who is interested in participating in Guardstart, be sure to contact the Rec Center at 909-537-2348. The cost is $60 per person. Also, if you or any of your friends are interested in the adult swim sessions or private lessons, be sure to sign up.