Citrus County Parks and Recreation announced Thursday they will be offering lifeguard classes in the first week of January.
- American Red Cross Waterfront Lifeguard Class for participants 15 and older
- All classes, swimming at Bicentennial Pool in Crystal River
- Registration fee is $125
The American Red Cross Waterfront Lifeguard Class is open to participants 15 and older. According to the county, the course provides "entry-level lifeguard participants with the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies and to provide care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries and sudden illnesses until emergency medical services (EMS) personnel take over."
A Waterfront Certification is ideal for lifeguards looking to work at non-surf, open water environments such as lakes and rivers, as well as traditional pools.
Participants must pass a prerequisite 550 yard swim. During the swim, they must continuously demonstrate breath control, rhythmic breathing using the front crawl and breaststroke, tread water for two minutes using only their legs, and complete a timed swim to include going down to a depth of 10 feet.
The prerequisite swim will be held on Thursday, Dec. 22 at 2 p.m. Program classes will run from Monday, Jan. 2 through Friday, Jan. 6. All classes and swimming will be held at Bicentennial Pool in Crystal River.
Registration is $125. Registration also requires a $35 online fee paid to the American Red Cross. To register, visit Redcross.org - the deadline is Dec. 22, 2016.