Greenville Technical College’s Economic Development and Corporate Training Division is partnering with the Caine Halter Family YMCA to offer a new course in Lifeguard Certification training beginning January 2018.
“The YMCA estimates there is a current deficit of approximately 150 lifeguards for the upcoming season, and that they are finding that individuals are not able to pass the endurance portion of the certification exam,” said Christopher Rico, department head of the Personal and Professional Enrichment Department.
This new training will prepare individuals to focus on in-water lifesaving techniques while building the endurance necessary to take the American Red Cross lifeguard swim test. Average starting pay for a part-time, certified lifeguard is $9 to $12 per hour, based on experience.
The seven-week class will meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:30 to 3:15 p.m. at the Caine Halter Family YMCA Aquatics Center at 721 Cleveland St. in Greenville. Courses are scheduled for Jan. 9 through Feb. 22 and March 6 through April 26. Classes are capped at 12 students per session. Cost is $200 per person and includes access to the six-hour American Red Cross online module.
Once students complete the 24 hours of training in the aquatics center and six-hour online module, and pass the American Red Cross lifeguard test, they will be certified lifeguards. The test has both a written portion and in-water practical session.
Students ages 16 and older are eligible to take this course and subsequent lifeguard certification test. For those under 18 wishing to register for this course, a parent or guardian must first complete a parental/guardian consent form prior to registering for the course.
To learn more about the course and to register, visit gvltec.edu/EDCT/personal-professional-enrichment or call 864-250-8800. The Personal and Professional Enrichment Department is part of EDCT, and its offices are located at the Buck Mickel Center, 216 S. Pleasantburg Dr., Greenville.