Lifeguards train for duty

The road to becoming a lifesaver is a tedious, but rewarding, process. Children always have smiles when they see them and parents are relieved when they’re around.

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Being a lifeguard comes with a lot of responsibilities and hard work. For some KMC residents, becoming a lifeguard is more than just a job. Ensuring peoples’ safety and well-being while under their watch is what Sydni Root, lifeguard at the Ramstein Aquatic Center, said is the most important thing.

Going into a job wanting to learn the position is good, but learning some characteristics that can help throughout life is great. During the 32-hour lifeguard course taught at the aquatic center, a variety of information and skills are taught to the trainees. Different rescue techniques being administered in the water are one of the most important details to the job. Learning different jumps, strokes and carries that will be most effective in real-world scenarios are practiced until perfection.

Just as important, the students are taught and must pass a professional CPR and first aid class. Upon completion of the class, the new lifeguards are given their American Red Cross certification that is accepted across the United States.

“I have learned to have respect for the victims and for everyone on deck and around the pool,” Ms. Root said.

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Many students said that what has been taught will be able to stay with them and give them the confidence to stay cool when in a difficult situation.

With the ratio of one lifeguard to 40 people being the standard, there will always be a need for lifeguards.

The Ramstein Aquatic Center is scheduled to open Sept. 4 and will be offering three types of pools. With a deck size of more than 9,000 sq. feet, there will be a lot of room for family, friends and fun. Anyone interested in being a lifeguard can contact Ramstein Outdoor Recreation at 480-5705.