Weiser pool lifeguards complete a rigorous certification class

Seven new faces will be on the Weiser Pool lifeguard stands this summer. New recruits Nathan Kendall, Beth Gladhart, Caden Cramer, Pedro Ixta, Ezra Burkhart, Logan Ankarberg and Mattie Shirts have all been trained and hired after passing the three-day lifeguard certification class.
    Among the trainees were returning guards Abbey Shirts and Ashlee Huggins, who needed to recertify as certifications expire after two years.
    This class took place from June 5-7. Aimee Wootton, a former Weiser High School alumni and city pool lifeguard and manager, instructed the class. This was her second time teaching this certification class for Weiser guards.
    The class was split into two sections: the online class portion through the Red Cross, and the hands-on skills and rescues portion in the pool.
    For the first day on Friday, the class trained in the evening after the pool was closed. This session consisted of a prerequisite swim test of 300 yards and a couple introductory rescues.
    On Saturday, Wootton had the class do multiple sessions throughout the day. They spent all morning in the pool going through different scenarios. These included decisions on whether the guards would need spinal boards or normal boards, how to calm the individuals that may be drowning, how to grab and hold the swimmers during rescues without endangering either party, and how to work as a team.
    Teamwork was a big part of the class, being one of the main focuses Wootton drilled into her guards.
    “Lifeguarding is a group task. It is team oriented, so they need to make sure they can work together to identify the needs of a rescue along with the different roles for the pool without needing to be told what to do,” Wootton stated.
    During the afternoon they focused mainly on CPR, learning the proper techniques and when to administer. They then proceeded to come back later that evening to learn and practice the different types of rescues.
    On Sunday, the third and final day of training, Wootton worked with the guards to further develop and enhance rescue techniques. To conclude the class, the guards took a final written test along with a final skills test in the pool.
    Throughout the class, the guards had to complete two written tests and two skills-based tests with real life scenarios. The skills tests had to have been done within a certain amount of time in order for the guards to pass.
    Caden Cramer, one of the new lifeguards, gave some words on his experience in the class.
    “Throughout all the nerves when taking the lifeguard course, I am glad I preserved. This class not only expanded my medical knowledge but allowed me to create new friends. Aimee did an amazing job teaching us what it takes to be a lifeguard. Thank you for the eye-opening experience,” Cramer stated.
    Pedro Ixta, another new recruit to the pool, also shared some thoughts he had about the class.
    “It was awesome. I almost think it was more enjoyable than the actual job,” Ixta joked. “It has given me knowledge that I can take with me forever,” he continued.
    These seven new guards, along with the two returners, are prepared with a great skill set to keep the patrons of the Weiser pool safe.